Cadillac Records - 2 smiles

“Cadillac Records,” starring Adrien Brody and Jeffrey Wright, could have been a better movie if the focus had been less ambitious. But by trying to tell a story about many of the famous blues and early rock and roll stars that signed with Chess Records, director Darnell Martin bites off more than he can chew. The movie opens in early 1950s Chicago with the establishment of the Chess Record company and ends two decades later when Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody) sells. The movie gets its title from the cars Chess gave his top artists (taken from their royalties, unbeknownst to them). The film provides highlights of some of Chess’ most memorable performers: Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), Little Walter (Columbus Short), Howlin’ Wolf (Eamonn Walker), Chuck Berry (Mos Def) and Etta James (Beyoncé Knowles). None of these individuals has enough screen time to develop much personality and there are too many plot points that leave the audience with unanswered questions. However, the music might be enough to keep most people entertained.

The songs include Jeffrey Wright doing Waters’ “I’m a Man” and “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man,” Beyoncé Knowles doing James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” “Once in a Lifetime” and “At Last.” Mos Def’s Chuck Berry lights the screen with “Maybelline,” “Nadine” and “No Particular Place to Go.” Cedric the Entertainer (Willie Dixon) provides the voiceover that gives the movie some coherence. Wright and Beyoncé prove capable at both the music and the acting. However, if you’re looking for complex drama or a meaningful analysis of the music of the 50s and 60s, you’re not going to find it with “Cadillac Records.” 12/7/08