Ray
(w/4 Stars Squared for Mr. Foxx's Performance)
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry Lennix,Bokeem Woodbine, Sharon Warren, C. J. Sanders, Larenz Tate, and Curtis Armstrong
Directed by: Taylor Hackford
Music & Original Recordings by Ray Charles

Bluntly speaking? Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles gives one of those defining performances any true actor yearns for. He is positively Times-Square electric - the film in which he illuminates within however, is more like a flickering energy-efficient 40 watt-bulb.

This is a blunt biopic tale on Ray Charles. From his humble beginnings to his remarkable rise into one of the world's greatest one-of-a-kinds and all the life-drama in between. The film tells Ray's incredible journey via flash-forwards and flash-backs.

We meet Ray as an adult (Jaime Foxx). He's on the road playing others' music. But we glimpse the Ghost-of-Christmas-future by the energy Ray expells and the reaction of his audience.

They cut back to simpler days when Ray was little Ray Charles Robinson (C.J. Sanders). He was born a poor southern boy. His strong mother (Sharon Warren) is determined to raise him to rise above their poverty. Even when an unexplained illness took his sight at age seven, Ray was told by her not to be a "cripple." Sometimes appearing even cruel, she pushed him to be self-sufficient. Ray also learns at this young troubled age he's very keen for the piano. It's there, within the music, he can see clearly and truly enjoy living.

Back to the road...a smaller record label, Atlantic, notices his talent and Ray is signed. It is here Ray Charles' singular musical style - a marriage of R&B and Gospel - is nursed and encouraged. He becomes an original.

As his career grows so does his ego and his troubles. Thanks to guilt over his younger brother's death, and a haunting loneliness stemming from his eternal darkness, Ray discovers heroin.

While we watch his fame, and talents, rise the film dips into the ever darker sides of the man; from his decades of addiction, to his womanizing, to the unemotional firing of trusted friends and companions. Ultimately Ray Charles, the legend, comes off a bit rough, but Ray's incredible music, his gift, is as smooth and powerful as ever.

Jamie Foxx as Charles has handed in a dynamic, capturing, soulful performance. His "Ray" is not so much an impersonation, but an ode that managed to exact the essence of the man behind the music - warts and all. Jamie, whose a hearty helpin' of Godiva-rich double-Dutch chocolate layer cake with a big ol' dollop of full fat creamed talent atop, is about to be added to some heavy-hitters' speed dial systems for sure - an he should start practicing his award speech…

Ray tries to be truthful and fair to the legendary genius of Mr. Ray Charles. His music and his spirit are inspiring in the piece - as expected. But, there's an uneasy feeling that starts to creep in about half way through the piece, and by Ray's über-corny hurried-along ending - which includes footage of the real Ray Charles for its climatic finish - you're pleadin' with the mediocre barrage to stop. Frankly, the film ends up losing its magic; that magic and remarkable American tale that was Ray Charles. Over-all Ray is more a kin to an ABC Saturday Night-styled Feature than a theater soiree. Still you have to see Foxx here...so go.

Snack recommendation: Wild turkey shots