Get On Up
Universal Pictures | Release Date: August 1, 2014
7.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 82 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
50
Mixed:
26
Negative:
6
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
4
FilmwritingmindJan 10, 2015
Felt like a TV movie. Had no story arc to it but just te highlights that audiences would most likely want to see. Not a biopic somebody will be re-watching. Once is enough. Entertaining but restricted by poor storytelling
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
JPManningAug 2, 2014
Outstanding performance by Chadwick Boseman. His James Brown is spot on. The movie tells the back story of one of rock n' roll's most defining stars. The plot is a bit jumbled with timelines bouncing back & forth, but Boseman's performanceOutstanding performance by Chadwick Boseman. His James Brown is spot on. The movie tells the back story of one of rock n' roll's most defining stars. The plot is a bit jumbled with timelines bouncing back & forth, but Boseman's performance makes the trip more than worth the ride.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
raajdAug 2, 2014
No chance I'm ever going to see a better movie. I loved Get On Up , brilliant movie!!!DO see this! A great movie for the whole family. If you only see one movie this summer see Get On Up !!!
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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8
TVJerryAug 7, 2014
Chadwick Boseman is dynamite in this biopic of James Brown. He's got the moves and the style, while creating a character who's convincingly arrogant and occasionally touching. The story unfolds in a non-linear structure that expects theChadwick Boseman is dynamite in this biopic of James Brown. He's got the moves and the style, while creating a character who's convincingly arrogant and occasionally touching. The story unfolds in a non-linear structure that expects the audience to know some aspects of Brown's life, but that keeps it interesting. Even with the no-holds-barred depiction of his flaws, all of his hits are performed (with the real Brown's vocals) to make the experience a super-funky groove. The Godfather of Soul's genius is fully on display (especially on stage), but this film does a good job of detailing the emotional complexity of the man. Viola Davis, as his mother, is wonderful as always.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
GenuineOpinionAug 3, 2014
It was SO much better than I thought it was going to be. This movie did some interesting camera transitions, scene transitions, whatever you want to call it. It really put Mr. Dynamite's life into perspective. Excellent movie.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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8
ayarlettMar 15, 2015
Really enjoyed this movie. Laughed at the beginning, felt sad at times for his terrible childhood but overall, had me from start to finish. A very good portrait of the Godfather of Soul. Bobby Byrd was well played too and the actors has aReally enjoyed this movie. Laughed at the beginning, felt sad at times for his terrible childhood but overall, had me from start to finish. A very good portrait of the Godfather of Soul. Bobby Byrd was well played too and the actors has a great chemistry as there lives progressed together. Overall a solid 8 for me.
Plus, after watching, i just had to go and play some JB of course. Thanks Legend for all the good music!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
3ebfan511Jul 7, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very sub-par biopic. It basically white-washed James Browns life and I feel it only vaguely touched the surface on him as a person. Mostly showed him performing and different periods of his career. Only a little bit with issues with the band, but it never really went into the heart and core of who the guy was. For instance he was arrested multiple times for a number of things, and the film barely shows any of that. It shows 1 or 2 incidents but in such a favorable light that it doesn't have much impact and does not reveal the truth. I like realitic biopics that really shed new light on a person and this movie did very little in that regard except showing a little bit of his upbrining, but never went into WHY he did what he did, WHY he acted that way. It made no attempt to explain or explore the real James Brown and spent 70% of the time showing a favorable version of him and performance pieces for Chadwick Boseman (who did OK but did not really capture the guys darker side much.) For a guy who brutally attacked his wife, almost shot people with a shotgun, and had ongoing personal problems with his bandmates this film glossed over 70% of that to try to make the guy look likable and felt more like a tribute to James Brown than an honest look at his life. It was decently done though and was certainly worth watching, but it was just OK overall.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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6
BshopAug 14, 2014
Sometime during the movie a thought occurred to me: "How could this happen without him getting arrested?" and so it stayed and cropped up every time something ridiculous happened. Might be a hard pill to swallow but this is a biopic,Sometime during the movie a thought occurred to me: "How could this happen without him getting arrested?" and so it stayed and cropped up every time something ridiculous happened. Might be a hard pill to swallow but this is a biopic, recounted from people close to James Brown (with parts from his biography spattered in). It's not a typical biopic as it frequently breaks the "fourth wall" as well as other well-timed jokes about the past. Only really emotional when talking of his family, otherwise a show about a show performer. Must have been a blast filming.
In summary, see it if you like his music (or any music from that era) otherwise worth a rent if you are curious.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
Brutus54Sep 30, 2014
Very good central performance, but frankly, if you didn't already understand why James Brown was an icon, you wouldn't find out from this movie. Clearly Brown had a number of personal demons. Clearly he was popular amongst African-AmericanVery good central performance, but frankly, if you didn't already understand why James Brown was an icon, you wouldn't find out from this movie. Clearly Brown had a number of personal demons. Clearly he was popular amongst African-American communities in America. Clearly he was a driven performer. But ultimately you get left with more questions than answers after watching this paradox of a movie. For one thing, quite a lot gets left out, in much the same way as was done for the Johnny Cash story in Walk the Line. So, overall, less clichéd than Ray, but somehow not nearly as satisfying. But if you love the funk, you shouldn't miss it. And good on Mick Jagger for getting it produced!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
lukechristianscSep 2, 2014
i just got done watching into the storm an it was off the hook !. for odd reason i walked up to the door an saw get on up in the middle of the movie i knew it was the film that people needed to see to learn why music has its legend Jamesi just got done watching into the storm an it was off the hook !. for odd reason i walked up to the door an saw get on up in the middle of the movie i knew it was the film that people needed to see to learn why music has its legend James Brown an how that brown inspired popular singers like Ice Cube , Usher an Justin Timberlake. I did not see the beginning of the movie i only saw the half of the movie. but i understand that i did not need understand james brown as a boy i only needed to know why music has its legend James Brown Basically 42 Chadwick Boseman performance of the legend is probably the new elvis. Awesome Producing from Mick Jagger, Brian Grazer, Tate Taylor. how could i not forget the director of help Mr. Talyor who directed this amazing Musical Picture. Taylor has some dramactic segregation stories like the help which was an amazing movie. But Taylor decides to get back in the game with drama , Viola Davis again. Grade A+… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
Brent_MarchantAug 3, 2014
An engaging look at the life of one of the music industry's most influential figures, with an outstanding, award-worthy performance by Chadwick Boseman. The approach used in telling the protagonist's story, which alternates betweenAn engaging look at the life of one of the music industry's most influential figures, with an outstanding, award-worthy performance by Chadwick Boseman. The approach used in telling the protagonist's story, which alternates between straightforward biography and nonlinear character study, doesn't always work as well as it could, but the film nevertheless manages to effectively explore the success of this giant of the entertainment world.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
zurnzurnJan 8, 2015
An energetic performance from the lead, even if the script doesn't always hit as hard. Leaves you with something but also expecting more. I think I'm giving it +1 just for the scenes with Little Richard.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
ydnar4Jan 10, 2015
Get On Up is an interesting music biopic. James Brown is one of the most popular musicians of all time. I find that the film got a lot of inspiration from Ray, the 2004 Ray Charles Biopic. The movie shifts back and forth in time regularly.Get On Up is an interesting music biopic. James Brown is one of the most popular musicians of all time. I find that the film got a lot of inspiration from Ray, the 2004 Ray Charles Biopic. The movie shifts back and forth in time regularly. Chadwick Boseman plays the best role in his young career in this movie, and he really showing some potential to be a big star in the future. His performance will likely go without an Oscar nomination despite its excellence. I don't know a whole lot about James Brown but I know that he suffered a bit of a downfall with legal troubles and drug abuse late in his career. They could've showed more of this and cut out some of the performance. It seemed like they filled the movie with unneeded clips of James Brown performing. Still a good watch despite this.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
BrkrDaveAug 13, 2014
Great acting by all with Chad Boseman in an Oscar contention performance. The two hours went quickly instead of me looking at my watch every twenty minutes. The only negative to me was in their attempt to cover James Brown's entire life andGreat acting by all with Chad Boseman in an Oscar contention performance. The two hours went quickly instead of me looking at my watch every twenty minutes. The only negative to me was in their attempt to cover James Brown's entire life and include all of his music there wasn't any time for the details of his life. So much was either left out or skimmed over superficially.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
LynFeb 4, 2015
I can understand why some people would dislike the jumping-around story lines, but I liked the approach. It added to the feeling of volatility that surely was a big part of James Brown's life, and to the feeling of his being haunted by hisI can understand why some people would dislike the jumping-around story lines, but I liked the approach. It added to the feeling of volatility that surely was a big part of James Brown's life, and to the feeling of his being haunted by his past. I did feel that the filmmakers put a bright 'n' shiny polish on a life that had some sordid, shameful episodes. I'm used to Southern speech patterns, but couldn't make out what the heck Chadwick Boseman was saying at times ... still, his performance had terrific heart & energy and his onstage performances were amazing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
theotherone55Aug 10, 2014
Weak attempt at trying to recreate RAY-like cast and atmosphere here.
I think Chadwick Boseman gives a pretty good performance but this lacks originality and uniqueness.
Be here, seen this.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
SpangleAug 5, 2014
This one is pretty good and is ultimately a good, fair look at James Brown's life. It did not show just all the success and positivity he had, but it also showed the negative elements of him and his life and, overall, felt very complete andThis one is pretty good and is ultimately a good, fair look at James Brown's life. It did not show just all the success and positivity he had, but it also showed the negative elements of him and his life and, overall, felt very complete and well done. The storytelling could have been a little better (it kept jumping around in time throughout), but the direction was strong for the most part and felt very focused. The soundtrack is also great, as expected. The acting from all is also good, however, the real superstar here is Chadwick Boseman. In a true Oscar nomination-worthy performance, Boseman really embodies Brown to a t and really brings the "funk" and "groove" in his performance and his dance moves. This was a true powerhouse performance from an actor who is clearly somebody on the rise. At the end of the day, it is a biopic and it is hard to cover everything in a person's life in a 2 hour+ time frame, but I think this one did pretty well (even if it did jump around and gloss over some things) and, as I said, felt very fair. But, this one will be remembered as the film that made Boseman into a star, more so than for any other element of it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
bmaster4616Aug 3, 2014
It's just alright. The movie has it moments of great storytelling but isn't consistent. It has uninteresting plot posting, plot points this are missing, and a jumpy plot. It skips around from his older self to younger self and back toIt's just alright. The movie has it moments of great storytelling but isn't consistent. It has uninteresting plot posting, plot points this are missing, and a jumpy plot. It skips around from his older self to younger self and back to "present" time without a really straight forward consistent plot. It also focuses on plot points that are very weird and different. They don't focus on his drug a use which really hurts him. Chadwick Boseman plans a good part in this movie but I can't understand him half the time. To me it's just alright at best. 6.1… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
theinvisiblejewAug 2, 2014
I appreciate the effort to deviate from a typical biopic format, but the end result was void of narrative and closure.

Boseman delivers a fantastic performance, with some help from ghost singer Lee Fields. Black Thought's James BrownI appreciate the effort to deviate from a typical biopic format, but the end result was void of narrative and closure.

Boseman delivers a fantastic performance, with some help from ghost singer Lee Fields. Black Thought's James Brown impression was another highlight.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
shalisaAug 2, 2014
Just saw the movie Get On Up. I enjoyed the movie eventhough it drug in parts. It is not in the same league as the Jamie Fox movie about Ray Charles or Walk The Line about Johnny Cash. The story just wasn't as interesting but Boseman didJust saw the movie Get On Up. I enjoyed the movie eventhough it drug in parts. It is not in the same league as the Jamie Fox movie about Ray Charles or Walk The Line about Johnny Cash. The story just wasn't as interesting but Boseman did a wonderful job of dancing and performing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
riverpoet62Aug 9, 2014
Boseman's portrayal of James Brown is fascinating, and this film does a great job of showing his determination and sheer genius. But that's where my compliments stop. The script jumps around all over the place, and skims over importantBoseman's portrayal of James Brown is fascinating, and this film does a great job of showing his determination and sheer genius. But that's where my compliments stop. The script jumps around all over the place, and skims over important details like the death of his son and his descent into drugs and ruin. It spends much more time explaining his pathology by way of flashbacks to his childhood. A good editor and better director (is Mick Jagger broke?!) could have brought in a great movie in under 2:18.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
meok91Dec 30, 2014
This is not the kind of film that I would generally choose to watch myself, but alas, it was the end of the year and a family member and myself were looking for something to watch that neither of use had seen and would be vaguely interestedThis is not the kind of film that I would generally choose to watch myself, but alas, it was the end of the year and a family member and myself were looking for something to watch that neither of use had seen and would be vaguely interested in watching, we settled on this. James Brown is an exceptionally interesting character who led an exceptionally interesting life, what I really liked about this film was the warts and all portrayal that was fantastically acted by Chadwick Boseman. Throughout the film I went from disliking Brown, thinking he was a rather horrible person, to feeling sorry for him. In that way it was a very true to life portrayal, this was an immensely talented but deeply flawed man, deeply flawed like the rest of us.

This film has many flaws, the main one for me being moving from one time to another in Browns life. In one scene you could be looking at a scene from a show Brown played, in the next you could be looking at one from his childhood. I really disliked this, particularly due to the fact that sometimes there was no marker on screen to tell you what year it was, sometimes it took me a minute or two to figure out where this scene fitted into the time line, this really took away from the film for me and was not conducive for fluid, pleasant viewing, it didn't work for me at all.

I think this can be more accurately described as a character study as opposed to a biopic. Other characters just flitted in and out of the story not really making much of a mark, except that of Bobby Byrd who was a good friend of Brown. Due to the moving from one time period to another I have to say I felt the plot of the film suffered and at times felt a bit aimless.

This is a far from perfect film, but it does make for interesting viewing simply for Brown and Boseman's performance, everything else kind of feels like back round noise which is a pity. I really feel that Brown and his life could make for a fantastic film, this particular one was just not it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
MattBrady99Sep 7, 2020
Chadwick Boseman is James Brown.

He got the dancing, voice, and mannerisms down. While the movie itself was very messy and at times lost it's focus. A little bit too long as well with some musical scenes dragging on at times. Still,Chadwick Boseman is James Brown.

He got the dancing, voice, and mannerisms down.

While the movie itself was very messy and at times lost it's focus. A little bit too long as well with some musical scenes dragging on at times.

Still, Chadwick Boseman performance makes this movie memorable. I have to admit, I got a bit teary eyed watching this, not because of the movie, but because how we lost such a talented actor to a horrible disease.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
yardashJun 27, 2015
Bu kadar iyi bir malzemeden çıkan bu filmi açıkçası malzemeyi heba etmiş buldum. Zaman zaman geçmişe dönüşler ve yönetmenin oyuncuyu ekrana bakarak seyirciyle konuşturması yaratıcı ve etkili olsa da ki karısını dövdüğü sahnedeki utancınBu kadar iyi bir malzemeden çıkan bu filmi açıkçası malzemeyi heba etmiş buldum. Zaman zaman geçmişe dönüşler ve yönetmenin oyuncuyu ekrana bakarak seyirciyle konuşturması yaratıcı ve etkili olsa da ki karısını dövdüğü sahnedeki utancın sessizlikle ekrana bakarak verilmesi hoşuma gitse de bu filmin bütününe yayılamamış bir başarı olarak kalmış. Oyunculuk yetenekleri sınırlı oyuncuları ancak James Brown müzikleri ve bazı yerlerde yardımcı oyuncular kurtarmaya çalışmış ancak onlar da bir yere kadar bunu becerebilmişler. Makyajlar gerçekten çok kötüydü. Oyuncuları çok başarısız ve abartılı bir şekilde yaşlandırmışlar bende bir miktara korku filmi etkisi yaratmadı desem yalan olur. Fakat sonuçta ben bir profesyonel eleştirmen olmadığım ve James Brown müziklerine karşı zaafım olduğundan olsa gerek yine de 6 vermeyi uygun buldum. Denk gelinirse ve James Brown'nın geçmişi hakkında merak edilirse izlenebilir. Ancak müzikleri mutlaka dinlenmelidir...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021
It suffers from an odd confusing way of telling Brown's life story, as well as being overly pretentious, but the filmcrew's love of his accomplishments shines through, creating an admirable, but not great, biopic of this undisputed legend.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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