Chadwick Boseman is dynamite in this biopic of James Brown. He’s got the moves and the style, while creating a character who’s convincingly arrogant and occasionally touching. The story unfolds in a non-linear structure that expects the audience to know some aspects of Brown’s life, but that keeps it interesting. Even with the no-holds-barred depiction of his flaws, all of his hits are performed (with the real Brown’s vocals) to make the experience a super-funky groove. The Godfather of Soul’s genius is fully on display (especially on stage), but this film does a good job of detailing the emotional complexity of the man. Viola Davis, as his mother, is wonderful as always.

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