Last Second Thoughts

Ray

well, i rented the movie "Ray" today for $2 from the downstairs convenience store. i've wanted to see it for awhile - i usually try to see all of the "Best Picture" nominations before the Oscars, but i was lazy this year. anyway, i was curious to see if the Academy was justified in awarding the "Best Actor" award to Jaime Foxx. As it turns out, they were.

yes, Foxx did a dead-on impersonation of Ray Charles - but more importantly, he channeled his spirit and emotions - the highs, the lows, the fears, and the joys. i wasn't expecting a very good movie (i was expecting another "Ali"-esque biopic), but this film was very interesting, and even though it was about 2.5 hours, it held my attention, and the music scenes kept my foot tapping. there was a strong supporting cast surrounding Foxx, and the movie was unafraid to show Ray Charles' faults and weaknesses (a good deal of them, at least), as opposed to painting him as a blind saint. it's definitely worth a rental.

but..."Hero" is still my choice for "Best Picture."