Phonearl Good start, but then it gets ruined

Huievest Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

filippaberry84 I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Sergio Tariq Whilst there are some good performances in this film, Eamonn Walker for example who dominates the screen whenever he is on it and Mos Def as Chuck Berry, it is impossible to look past the director's distortion of history. Martin has for some reason decided that the real stories of the artists and founders of Chess Records were not interesting enough so she essentially makes everything up. She adds relationships where there were none, attributes a murder to Little Walter because a man toured under his name, mixes up chronology, barely touches on the finances and leaves out major figures from the story. It also seems as they could not decide which angle to focus upon - jumping from one thing to another. There is a great film to be made about the subject - this is not it.To some extent you get used to filmmakers changing things for dramatic purpose but this is so overdone as to be ridiculous.

Spaceygirl Cadillac records has a fantastic soundtrack. Having said that, personally I think it would have worked better as a mini-series. There are so many characters that it's difficult to focus on just one. Nevertheless, many actors shine in their roles. Adrien Brody tackles a difficult role with his usual ease. The fabulous Jeffrey Wright is a stand-out, Mos Def is an irrepressible Chuck Berry and Gabrielle Union is quietly impressive in a supporting role. Beyonce, however, in a key role of Etta James is woefully miscast and her acting talents are dubious. The script is good, the set-pieces attractive and the film is beautifully shot.

rooprect Wow, I've never seen a biopic take such liberties with facts... to the point that the film even invents a murder that never happened. But in all fairness, so did "Amadeus".The point of the film, however, is not to present facts but to foster interest. That much is said in the director's commentary: she says that if people become interested to learn more about these (and other) classic artists, then the film has done its job.Then by all means, it succeeded. The names of Muddy Waters, Etta James, Little Walter & Howlin Wolf have always been a footnote to the general public (including myself). But now I'll definitely take notice.If you're already a blues aficianado, then I doubt you'll care much for this film. But if you're part of the target audience--those who are not familiar with the origin of rock'n'roll or who think erroneously (as I did) that Elvis was the one who started it all--then this movie is worth a watch.I'll give you one warning. It gets ugly. This is NOT a film to be showcased during Black History Month! It portrays many of these artists at their worst: drug-addicted, alcoholic, violent, sex-crazed, uneducated, selfish and perpetually angry. The film has a very cynical, malicious vibe. But I think this was done with a specific intent; the director seemed to be making a strong metaphor to today's gangsta rap, probably with the hopes of reaching a young generation that never appreciated blues & rock'n'roll. I thought that was an interesting angle, though it must offend many blues purists.So there you have it... Don't expect facts. Don't expect history. Don't expect many feel-good moments. Instead expect a very stylish drama about the Chicago 'hood with a lot of sex, drugs & rock'n'roll. I know it sounds like I'm disparaging the movie, but I'm not. I really thought it was an interesting presentation.

dc1-1 The key: The opening titles reveal that "Cadillac Records" is "BASED on a true story". Maybe it should have been written, "Loosely based on a true story." So a lot of purist viewers are taking serious issue with the movie's departures from the true story of Chess Records. My advice to them: go watch a documentary on PBS or the BBC, and lighten up. This movie was very entertaining, the music was great, the actors were terrific, and Beyonce was simply incredible. Apparently, Etta James herself didn't think so -- according to published articles, she hated that Beyonce sang "her song" (At Last). Can you spell J-E-A-L-O-U-S? And a PS to the purists: Please avoid seeing William Bendix in "The Babe Ruth Story" -- if you hated "Cadillac Records", this movie will make you apoplectic. ;-)