"; if(is_file("header.php")) include "header.php"; else include "../header.php"; ?>

Charles In Charge Going into Ray, I had known almost nothing about Ray Charles' life, outside of the fact that he was blind and despite that, he didn't that the disability stand in the way of his talent and goals. After watching the musical biographical drama of the American legend, I was taken aback by just how human this superstar actually was. While the film isn't as perfect as its buzz hyped it to be, it's still a must see, for sure. Born in a poor town in Georgia, Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx) went blind at the age of seven shortly after witnessing his younger brother's accidental death. Inspired by a fiercely independent mother (Sharon Warren) who insisted he make his own way in the world, Charles found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. Touring across the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer gained a reputation and then exploded with worldwide fame when he pioneered incorporating gospel, country, jazz and orchestral influences into his inimitable style. As he revolutionized the way people appreciated music, he simultaneously fought segregation in the very clubs that launched him and championed artists' rights within the corporate music business. As Ray Foxx is very good in the movie and is almost indistinguishable from the late real life counterpart. He owns the part. Director Taylor Hackford, who also collaborated with writer James L. White on the script gives us an unflinchinging look at his life and times, warts and all. From rampant drug use, to infidelity, to the top of the charts and in the throws of chasing his demons--its all here. I knew none of the personal issues that the man had to wrestle with. Mr. Charles took quite a risk exposing his faults like this I'm glad he was still around as the film was being made The musical numbers were recreated, giving off the same energy that he had in real life. The supporting cast that includes Regina King as mistress and back up singer Margie Hendricks and Kerry Washington as wife Della Bea Robinson, turn in compelling performances that are top notch. Hackford's flaw as a storyteller here is that he lets too many flashbacks and overwrought symbolism tell the young Ray's (C.J. Sanders) part of the story. The film could have done without all that imagery. The narrative is watered down by this and that's a distraction the film doesn't need. The 2 disc limited edition has a wealth of bonus material aside from the film itself. Viewers can choose between the original theatrical version, and an extended version via (not so) seamless branching, that includes 14 deleted scences. Most of the "added" footage was nice to see...but the theatrical cut is indeed a less distracting experience without the jarring jumps to deal with. If you've ever heard an audio commentary by Hackford before, then you know how talkative he is, and that's not nesscessarily a good thing take a breath man. It's a long film. You'll get it all in...After all, there are some featurettes on both the man and the movie. "Ray Remembered" has friends and the filmmakers talking about the man and his talents. "Walking in his Shoes" takes us through the transformation of Foxx as he becomes Ray for the film, as well as the actor meeting Charles. "A Filmmakers Journey" focuses on Hackford's work on the biopic, while the "Women of Ray" profiles his mom, wife and Margie. Additional bio details can be found in an "American Story", you'll see no less than 9 more musical performances, as well as a retread of the extended scenes with the optional commentary option with Hackford. The theatrical trailer and cast and crew bios tops off the set. Ray is a worthwhile biopic that gives us a well rounded potrait of the man and his talent