Ray Charles - Live In Brazil (DVD)

Advantages: Superb performance by Jamie Foxx
Disadvantages: Long and dull at times

...and his music, and that is a good thing. However, much of the film was dull and monotonous and I really struggled at times not to turn it off. I am so glad that I didn't see it in the cinema - at two and a half hours it really is way too long and although I can imagine that the director wanted to do justice by Ray's life, he did so to the detriment of audience pleasure. I recommend this film if you are interested in Ray Charles and his music, or simply want to appreciate Jamie Foxx's fine acting; otherwise, I think you may find the film too tedious unless split up into manageable chunks. Just about recommended. The DVD is available from play.com for £5.99, but I picked mine up in Asda for just £2. Classification: 15 Running time: 152 minutes (or a whopping 178 minutes for the extended version)... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Well acted, keeps you engaged throughout
Disadvantages: None

...Living In Oblivion is a low budget independent film written and directed by Tom DiCillo and starring Steve Buscemi and Dermot Mulroney. Sure, these aren't A-list stars, but that lends itself to the story. If it was a film about the making of a film and you had George Clooney and Brad Pitt pretending to be small time actors you wouldn't believe it. That's why it was better to use less well known actors, it pulls you more into the story. The film takes place during one day on set of a low budget movie, and documents all the problems that the director, Nick (Buscemi), and everyone else can encounter, from equipment malfunctioning to office politics to actors forgetting their lines. It's almost like a documentary, it is very realistic and gives you the complete story as to what it's like trying to get a film made. There are a few... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Really innovative. One of the best reenactment of a legend
Disadvantages: Some unneccesary Inclusion.

...Charles..... The conclussion..... I'll like everyone to watch this movie, you will not regret doing that. I must warn you though, there may be some unneccesary inclusion in it but that will not matter so far you enjoyed it, and of course, your DVD or VCR should have the fast foward botton on it in case you may not like some aspect. But I assure you, it is worth your time and money. Yes talking about money, Ray's DVD or CD is generally sold for between $10 and $12 in the market now ( I think that is expensive a bit) although I am having the reports that it may soon be reduced a bit. But then, the story is worth the price. RAY CHARLES......ADIEU..... Ray Charles Robinson died while this film was about to be produced, I would have wished him to stay and ''watch'' how they reenact him in a marvelous way (he was blind though). And I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful