This isn't exactly a cradle-to-grave documentary of Aretha Franklin's life and career, however it does cover quite a lot. She had a hard childhood, her very strict preacher father was a womanizer, even impregnating a 12-yr-old girl when Aretha was just five. In turn Aretha was impregnated by a local boy when she was only 12. Her mother was mostly absent and her grandmother was the woman of the house.
But Aretha always liked singing and her voice was her gift. When she eventually found what kind of singing she wanted, in a somewhat famous Muscle Shoals session in Alabama, her career and fame caught fire. But she still had to deal with demons including an abusive husband.
The only actress-singer performing today that could do justice to Aretha is Jennifer Hudson and she really shines. Both her acting and singing stand out. The movie closes with a recreation of that famous live performance in 1972 with the great rendition of 'Amazing Grace'. The video of that performance by Aretha is available to view online, it was the first thing I viewed after watching the movie "Respect."
Good movie and a great Jennifer Hudson performance. My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
But Aretha always liked singing and her voice was her gift. When she eventually found what kind of singing she wanted, in a somewhat famous Muscle Shoals session in Alabama, her career and fame caught fire. But she still had to deal with demons including an abusive husband.
The only actress-singer performing today that could do justice to Aretha is Jennifer Hudson and she really shines. Both her acting and singing stand out. The movie closes with a recreation of that famous live performance in 1972 with the great rendition of 'Amazing Grace'. The video of that performance by Aretha is available to view online, it was the first thing I viewed after watching the movie "Respect."
Good movie and a great Jennifer Hudson performance. My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.