Ray

Pros: Wonderful performances, great soundtrack, great insight into Ray's life
Cons: Some unanswered questions (probably deliberate though)

Ray, a biopic of singer Ray Charles, is one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year (or in the case of us Brits, the following year!), and it doesn’t disappoint. What it does do (for people like myself who have basically no knowledge of ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx, Well done biography, provides insight to Ray Charles
Cons: seemed rushed in parts, didn't provoke an emotional response from me

When I first heard that Jamie Foxx was going to be playing the role of Ray Charles, I thought to myself that it would be interesting to see if he could pull it off. As time went by, and I learned how much work he was putting into the film, I began to ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx, supporting cast, the music of Ray Charles
Cons: No cons for me

Ray Charles was a man whose music is among the most unique of the twentieth century. He was not content to find one style and stick with it. He incorporated many styles into his sound during his long career. "Ray," the movie that chronicles the life of ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx is Ray Charles! Good script, able directing from Hackford
Cons: None

I normally avoid watching movie biographies of celebrities and politicians; Hollywood has a tendency to take liberties with "biopics," often whitewashing pasts (The Glenn Miller Story) or exaggerating heroics (PT-109) to make the movie ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx; The storyline; The supporting Cast
Cons: It's a long movie, but worth the extra minutes

Ray Charles was a man who inspired and delighted fans of all ages. The legendary singer and performer, with his mastery of the piano, played with passion and soul, unobstructed by his loss of vision at a young age. Charles passed on a short time ago, ...

Pros: Ensemble cast, photography, musical editing, master recordings, Ray Charles' own motivations, Jamie Foxx, Sharon Warren.
Cons: A curious number of jaded critics find the film a mass of cliches. A Pity!

Is genius "its own excuse"? Is being blind "its own excuse"? Certainly, in our politically correct New World Order, being black can't be its own excuse. That a surprising number of reviews give RAY so-so or failing marks (while, to be ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx and the music of Ray Charles
Cons: Badly written and directed and horribly edited

This may not be a long review [Author's Note: It turned out plenty long], which pains me to say as a man for whom prolixity is as second nature as breathing. However, even as a semi-retired film critic (and a semi-functional television critic), I look ...

Pros: unusually strong drama for a biopic
Cons: a little long; sometimes predictable

There's a danger in making biopics, especially when the story may be too big to tell, or the subject is someone as beloved as Ray Charles. If you're not careful, you'll wake up and realize you've just shot Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius. It is ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx has just defined his career
Cons: Length, if anything, but I think it's justifiable

Jamie Foxx's career can only go downhill from here. Well, let's back up slightly. I'm not sure about anyone else, but when certain actors make it big that I identified with early on in their careers, (Will Smith, Rock, Martin Lawrence and now Foxx) I ...

Pros: Phenomenal cast, excellent depiction of a musical legend; brings a tear to your eye
Cons: Nothing for me

Wow! I finally made it to 300 reviews. This is quite an amazing feat and it seemed only fitting that my 300th review be on this movie. I hope you enjoy! You know sometimes when a movie or song or anything seems to be getting a lot of hype ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx, music, good direction and story line
Cons: none for me

I can only surmise that it is both frightening and a privilege for an actor to be asked to portray someone so well known that almost everyone in the world is familiar with them. It would also, no doubt, be both a burden and a joy. An actors duty is to ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx literally becomes Ray Charles. Shows both sides of the man.
Cons: Few. Perhaps a tad overlong.

When I first saw the previews for Ray back in August (when I went to see The Manchurian Candidate), my first reaction was "that sure was quick". Ray hadn't been dead for two months yet and a film on his life was already in the can. It wasn't until I ...

Pros: Music, Foxx's performance, some supporting performances
Cons: Heavy handed writing and plot points, too long, bad pacing, excuses drug addiction

When I saw the previews for this film, I looked forward to seeing it. As often occurs with highly anticipated events, the payoff isn't as good as you anticipated. By all accounts of Ray Charles life I have seen, he was not the nicest guy. Ruthless in ...

Pros: The performances by Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, and Regina King are outstanding.
Cons: Over 2 hours long - Could definitely use a bit of a trim.

There is no greater joy than watching an artist in performance of his art, whether he is a painter, a writer, or as in this case an actor. Jamie Foxx's performance of his art in Ray, the screen biopic of one of the most talented ...

Pros: Foxx. The music.
Cons: The finish wasn't quite right; neither was the ratio.

If you're one of those dweeby girls who is going to see this movie just for Jamie Foxx, turn around, and never read one of my reviews again. I condemn you. Anybody who goes to see a film about the great Ray Charles just for Jamie Foxx simply doesn't ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx, and the entire cast
Cons: Too long. Focuses too much on the more insidious parts of Charles' life.

If anyone ever needed a reason to see why an Academy Award for "Best Actor" was handed out, then Ray is the film to see. Jamie Foxx's portrayal of music legend Ray Charles is absolutely brilliant. Foxx has every single detail about Charles down ...

Pros: Excellent work on one of the most unique pioneers in American music history...
Cons: Jamie Foxx wins the Oscar by default...

I'll admit that I went into this one loaded for bear, specifically Jamie Foxx. Especially after watching the Extras feature on the Collateral DVD and hearing his co-star, Jada Pinkett-Smith, ramble on about what a great mime he was (as opposed to ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, story, musical score
Cons: less then spectacular finale, two hour and thirty minute timelength, use of flashbacks

It was tremendously heart-breaking for America to have lost not only one, but two cultural icons that had had profound impacts on the people of our nation – Ronald Reagan and Ray Charles – die within a week of each other. Unfortunately, Ray Charles’ ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx, his wife, and about the entire cast.
Cons: too small not to see this movie.

The only negative thing about this movie (as my husband pointed out) is that Ray's wife doesn't age! When the Georgia state assembly is awarding Ray she looks the same age as when he met her. Now, I've never seen Ray Charles' wife, but I betcha she ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx and the acting ensemble; screenplay/story/plot; informative; music
Cons: duration; pacing; editing (overall film structure)

I didn't know a lot about Ray Charles before I went and saw this film. I love several of his songs, especially "Georgia On My Mind". I knew he was a compelling person to watch. And I knew he was blind. Written and directed by Taylor Hackford, ...

Pros: Great performances and entertaining musical sequences.
Cons: Too broad in scope. Movie's script lacks conflict

Ray leaves me with one of the most unusual feelings that I've ever encountered while watching a movie. I feel like I saw a great mediocre movie. Ray, of course, is the biopic of Ray Charles, told from the time he heads out to seek fame and fortune ...

Pros: Good script,good direction,Foxx's performance - spot on!
Cons: Some may find it too long.

Covering a biography of an American Icon would be easy if it were shot through rose coloured lenses and showcased during a Movie of the Week. This film portrays the real struggles in chilling reality that faced Ray Charles in his early years. No ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx and Regina King, and oh yes, the music.
Cons: Feels rushed toward the end. A bubbly Larenz Tate as Quincy Jones.

Ray is one of those rare movies you don’t want to end. But end it must because Ray Charles died this year. It begins with flashbacks when he was a youngster. His mom, Aretha, heartedly portrayed by Sharon Warner (where did SHE come from?) ...

Pros: One of the best biopics ever made.
Cons: Not a thing.

Over the past few months many people have hailed the movie RAY as something spectacular. Critics loved the film. It did well at the box office. And it also won Jamie Foxx the Oscar for best actor. The question is did it deserve all of this attention? ...

Pros: every single minute as it alternates briskly between raucous and pensive
Cons: none

Let's forget just for a moment Jamie Foxx's performance in Ray. For 2 1/2 soulful hours I forgot Jamie Foxx was even in the movie. I was simply absorbed in the idea that I was watching Ray Charles's life unfold before my eyes, and that it was Ray Charles ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx, Sharon Warren, Kerry Washington, and Regina King were outstanding.
Cons: None.

Last week, I went to see this movie for the first time and I really enjoyed watching this. It was a 2 1/2 hour long movie, but what the hell. I paid only $3.50 to see this movie and it was very much worth it. Taylor Hackford directed this movie ...

Pros: Ray Charles' music and accomplishments. Jaimee Foxx's acting and accomplishments.
Cons: None.

This movie was just excellent. It's really a toss up between this movie and The Aviator for the Best Biopic of the year. I felt compelled to write this review prior to the Golden Globe ceremony which is this weekend to get us prepared to hear "and the ...

Pros: Jamie Foxx is brilliant in his performance. Oscar worthy.
Cons: None whatsoever.

I'll preface my review, with the sad fact that I never understood, nor bothered to listen to the Late Ray Charles music. I admired his piano techniques, but not the genre of the music he preformed. After seeing an ad on Television for the ...

Pros: Well written, great story and Foxx plays an awesome role
Cons: Nothing.

I am astounded, all I can say is Oh My God. I just sat through Ray and spent the entire 2 1/2 hours not believing that "Ray" was once Wanda from In Living Color. Jamie Foxx has a talent as strong as Ray Charles did. I am a Ray Charles fan, a ...

Pros: Foxx was great and so was the supporting cast.
Cons: Too long and BORING!!!

I get the feeling I may take some heat for this review, but unfortunately it can't deter me from being honest. I went into this movie with such great expectations (which may have contributed to my problem). Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of Ray ...

Pros: everything from start to finish
Cons: none

After sitting through 2 1/2 hours of Ray the only thought that came to my mind was I wanted to remain in my seat and see it again. From start to finish, this film grabs you, holds you, make you cry, makes you smile and gives you a sense what it was like ...

Pros: Very realistic heart wrenching film.
Cons: None

This is the BEST movie I've seen in a few years. I was skeptical to hear Jamie Fox ,a very talented comic, was to portray Ray Charles. I was very pleasantly surprised by the talent and dedication and seriousness that he played this part. After only ...

Pros: Foxx's performance, supporting actors, Taylor Hackford's direction
Cons: Not enough insight into his wife. Other than that, very little.

"Ray" is in the minority when it comes to biopics. Economically written, directed with a firm hand from a veteran, respected director and performances off the charts, the film is quickly set near the top of biopics. Where "A Beautiful Mind" drags and ...

Pros: The English language can't describe the beauty and honor of this film.
Cons: NONE - except I wanted to hear every Ray Charles song ever sung.

Run to see this remarkable film about the life and hard times of Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx will DEFINITELY win the Oscar for his mesmerizing portrayal of the famed singer. Other actors shouldn't even be nominated. In the middle of the film I felt that I ...

Pros: The music and Foxx's incredible imitation ability
Cons: Ending left too many unanswered questions

The fact that Foxx is nominated for this film speaks a great deal already. I watched this movie twice in the theatre and it was well worth it the second time around. Being 24 years old, I would have never predicted that Ray Charles led such a fast and ...

Pros: This movie is perfect to learn Ray Charles' history with.
Cons: it's a biopic so of course everything is dramatized

I finally was able to see the biopic “RAY” with Jamie Foxx in the lead role as the late-great Ray Charles, and let me tell you: it is most definitely a must see for every music fan and musicologist! Jamie Foxx fit the part ...

Pros: Feel good music and an Oscar-winning performance
Cons: The realistic drug use

FOR THOSE WHO WONDER WHY JAMIE FOXX WON THE OSCAR:
10. The Movie is a great biopic of the musical genius of our time, Ray Charles
9. Chilling re-enactment of young Ray's struggle with blindness
8. Retro feel and period details impeccably portrayed
7. Get drawn in by great songs like "Georgia" and "America, the Beautiful" that evoke memories of joy
6. You'll forget you are watching Jamie Foxx and truly believe he is Ray!
5. Learn little known facts about the real Ray Charles
4. View for yourself the accomplishments he made to the music industry
3. Ray's wife, "Della Bea" captured by Kerry Washington
2. The dynamic Regina King as Ray's lover "Margie"
1. Jamie Foxx's uncanny ability to capture Ray's mannerisms while lending his own talented singing and piano playing to this great film classic.

It is no coincidence that Jamie Foxx was nominated in two categories: for Best Actor in Ray and again for Best Supporting Actor for Collateral. Who knew that he was a classical pianist and accomplished singer/song writer? This guy defines the term "Triple threat" reminiscent of Sammy Davis, Jr.

Pros: Jaimie Foxx, Regina King, and the whole cast.
Cons: The end left me unsettled.

This movie was an awesome gift to Ray Charles fans. Jaimie Foxx portrayed Ray so well, it was hard to believe it was not Ray himself on the screen. Some did not appreciate the use of flashbacks but I found them to be brief glimpses into the deep pain of Ray's life. George's death seemed to be a defining time in his life. I almost wondered if Ray went blind because he couldn't stand to see anymore hurt.

Pros: Jamie Foxx, well shot, fantastic cast in general
Cons: overhyped, not as interesting as i thought it would be

Ray, for me was a big disappointment, I didn't have time to see it in the cinema and it was a while before i rented it. Having seen Jamie Foxx win his various awards and having read and watched tons of rave reviews I was very excited when I finally sat down and stuck in the DVD. What was to come, however, was very disappointing. jamie Foxx, no doubt deserves his awards, any portrayal of the late Ray Charles (RIP) requires phenomenal acting skills and I feel that jamie Foxx did the role justice, the story however, is little different to the stories of most blues/soul/early hip hop singers of Charles' time and I found myself struggling to stay focused.
If you are particularly interested in Ray Charles and his life, then go ahead, Foxx will not disappoint you but for the average viewer, don't let the hype get your hopes up too high

Pros: Considering the whole life of Ray in 2 1/2 hours, this movie is Fantastic
Cons: None . Only that Ray wasn't here to enjoy the response of his life

Jamie Foxx was outstanding! The movie really was classy, jazzy, and inspirational. Some critics say that the movie cut out alot, but that is because it was the story of Ray Charles life>> and they needed to condensate into a 2.5 hour movie. Some people i know can't sit 2.5 hours in a movie theater, but the time flys by. This movie really is honorable to Ray. To bad that he isn't around to see this instant Classic movie! The movie really opens yours eyes and you are able to experence just a hint of the struggles that Ray Charles went through in his life. Jamie Foxx really deserves an Oscar for this incredable roll! I highly recomend this movie to anybody! The only thing that holds it back from A+ is that it is on the long side. but i sure give this movie credit it brought Ray Charles to Life!

Pros: It was like stepping back in time and growing up with Ray
Cons: None what so ever

From the Beginning to the end this movie as long as it was was never boring, and for a Bio. Wow! I was very impressed with the Portrayal of Ray Charles by Jamie Fox, you would have thought he studied Ray Charles since Jamie was born...

It felt like we stepped back in time every true feeling the director and actor put into it was nothing short of Marvelous...

Pros: Award-winning performance by Jamie Foxx. Great supporting cast.
Cons: "extended version" is great for the music, but "jumps" a bit from scene to scene.

This movie has an extremely powerful and believable performance by Jamie Foxx on the early life of Ray Charles (through mid 1960s). The casting was superb. The story has themes that might be disturbing (infidelity, drugs) to some, but since this was part of what shaped Ray, they are rightfully included. Shows how he was taken advantage of, yet he overcame those "gaming" him and became successful nevertheless through his inner strength.

Pros: Great for any age, Fox is magnificent
Cons: none

Jaimie Fox shows us all a side of Ray that we would have not known otherwise . This film is so touching, so moving, that everyone, whether a fan or not, should check out. We get to know life for Ray Charles from early childhood, on. His life is portrayed in such a way, that you forget it is not really Ray Charles on the screen. Fox is wonderful and should get some awards for his superb performance.

Pros: *Strong acting with an incredible plot and script. Superb coming from a staunch critic.
Cons: *Some people may find this a little long but I enjoyed it.

I am only 16 years old so my memories of Ray Charles are little to none. In fact, I couldn't name any of his music before the movie Ray.

However, the movie totally changed my perception of Ray Charles. I never knew what a brilliant man he truly was. I was a bit wary when I saw that the run time was over 2 hours and 30 minutes (if I remember correctly) but I came out afterwards hardly believing that so much time had gone by.

The acting of Jamie Foxx especially is absolutely incredible. He portrays the late Ray as well as anyone could portray such a unique figure. Overall, I found this movie to be one of the best I had seen in theaters up to this point.

Pros: Emotionally moving, premiere acting, well rounded movie
Cons: The length may not be necessary but not at all unbearable.

Jamie erases any doubts about his acting talents with his compelling performance. As a lifelong fan of Ray Charles, the idea of Jamie Foxx portraying a legend other than an athlete bothered me. To create not only a respectable film but also a touching, true to life epic about one of the most influential musicians ever is astonishing!

Pros: Jamie Foxx
Cons: The tough life he led to become famous.

After & during this movie I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't really watching Ray Charles himself. Jamie Foxx does an unbelievable job. If he doesn't win the Oscar, something is wrong.

What a talent he is to capture all the mannerisms of this blind man. It was just amazing!

I must admit that I had never heard anything about Ray's life, so I was surprised to see that he was a heroin addict & addicted also to so many women while he was married.

By all means, go see this movie.....if only for the music.

Pros: Jamie Foxx played a wonderful Ray Charles.
Cons: Was absolutely wonderful, no complaints.

Jamie Foxx did an excellent job portraying Ray Charles. You get to see everything that happened to Ray Charles from when he was a child to the day he died. You find out how he was convinced he had killed his own brother, how he became blind, and when he started playing music. He was a sweet man before the money and the drugs really got to him, or so it seems by the way he captured the heart of his wife Bee. As he got into drugs and was away from home more and more he became prone to sleeping with his groupies and getting in trouble with the law. He didn't care though, he continued to do these things until there was no way he could be helped by anyone. His wife has a child, and so does his mistress, and he continues to take care of both women. I don't want to give away too much, because it's such a wonderful movie and I think everyone should see it.

Pros: This is definently Oscar worthy
Cons: I hate that this movie ended.

This movie I was really scared to see because it was so long. As soon as this movies starts you will be glued to the screen from beginning to the end. You will not take your attention off of the facial expressions that Jamie Fox is making. You try to keep up with every character and you can't. I really wanted to see this movie to see just how much Jamie Fox has progressed in his career. He was absolutely phenominal. I loved the story line, which had no holes in it and I especially loved the music and the cinematography. Don't let anyone tell you about the story of this movie because it will surprise a lot of people. If you are from the South especially Ga.This is a must see.