Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 27, 2014
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13

Critic Reviews

  1. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Oct 27, 2014
    60
    It’s a documentary of episodes more than something that builds, although that’s sometimes inherent in the biographical doc genre.
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Oct 27, 2014
    50
    Director Alex Gibney’s take is most memorable for its generous use of early and unseen performance footage, but beyond the fancy footwork on display, the project, bloated at a full two hours, seldom gets under its subject’s flashy veneer.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best TV Season of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. kevinluv
    Nov 18, 2014
    9
    This Is a Fantastic documentary with wonderful videos and interviews with the "hardest working man in show business". What makes it such aThis Is a Fantastic documentary with wonderful videos and interviews with the "hardest working man in show business". What makes it such a strong documentary is the filmmaker leaves aside for the most part Mr. Brown's foibles, and just concentrates on one thing, the greatness of James Brown, because when James Brown hits the stage, he puts his entire soul into his performance and his music, that is what made him such a compelling person to watch and why he was so widely appreciated.
    You must give credit and pay homage to the man who didn't fit what had been the norm for black entertainers in regards to color, height, and demeanor as when it came to being shown, packaged and marketed in America, James Brown broke the mold and blazed the trail ways that so many have used since then. Here is a chance to admire the man told in an engaging way!    … Full Review »
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