It’s the movies that you know and love and just can’t help singing along too. They perfectly encompass the ups and downs of the Hollywood live and everything on the way to Tinsel town. You can expect addictions, broken hearts, money loss and lots of tears.
Your time is precious, but if any of these picks have you being particular nostalgic. Why not pick up the book, A Songwriter’s Death and experience another musicians rise to fame and eventual pull from the wife he loves.
5. Bohemian Rhapsody
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Released: November 2, 2018
Cast: Rami Malek
Director: Bryan Singer
Why Its Great: Although, arguments can be made that the people around him were a little too friendly about his gayness considering the time frame. This movie still takes you on a wild ride. And it takes an honest look at being an other in your own band. As well as positive ways in which to handle the issue if you are that person’s friend. Plus the music is awesome.
Where to see it right now: Buy on Fandango and iTunes. Watch the trailer for now.
What do moviegoers say:
- “You will not see a more perfect and imperfect rock and roll biopic than Bohemian Rhapsody, which does many things extremely well, other things sort of average, and one thing flawlessly: capturing the immense charisma and panache of Queen singer Freddie Mercury. Jamie Foxx’s full-body inhabitation of Ray Charles just got some competition at the top.” – Kim Hughes, Original-Cin [Review from Metacritic]
- “Bohemian Rhapsody is probably what Freddie Mercury was aiming for all along, a big, splashy, half-true biopic in the Hollywood style. It’s a bit corny, but grand; a bit obvious, but entertaining, and inspiring almost in spite of itself.” – Mick Lasalle, San Francisco Chronicle. (Review from Rotten Tomatoes]
4. Ray
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Released: October 29, 2004
Cast: Jamie Foxx and Kerri Washington
Director: Taylor Hackford
Why
Where to see it right now: Rent/Buy in the usual places. Watch the trailer for now.
What do moviegoers say:
- “A frequently transporting depiction of the early and middle life of Ray Charles, the film soars on remarkable performances, a convincing sense of time and place, and, of course, the glorious music for which Charles was rightly billed as The Genius.” – Shawn Levy, Portland Oregonian. [Review From Metacritic]
- “Balancing Ray Charles’ creative talents and personal faults, Jamie Fox paints a vivid and intoxicating portrayal of a blind man who dreamt, succeeded, fell, and came back.” – Spencer P, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
3. Amadeus
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Released: April 5, 1985
Cast: Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham
Director: Milos Forman
Why It’s Great: I haven’t seen this one in a long time. But it left a lasting impression. Another period piece from the 18th century. The story is told from the point of view of the man’s killer. A fictitious look at the man’s life. However, the music is the centerpiece. And this movie is awesome.
Where to see it right now: Rent/Buy in the usual places. Watch trailer first.
What do moviegoers say:
- “A rowdy, funny, suspenseful, and sometimes very moving visit with two fascinating personalities: one an uncouth prodigy, the other an earnest second-rater who never quite understands why somebody else should get all the glory.” – David Sterritt, Christian Science Monitor. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
- “While it would be easy to deduct points for its blatant inaccuracies, “Amadeus” makes up for it by going the extra mile by doing more than tell the story of someone’s life. It touches on themes of obsession, censorship, and depicts what could be considered the “music industry” of the time.” – Logan M, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
2. Why Do Fools Fall In Love
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Released: November 1, 1988
Cast: Larenz Tate, Halle Berry, Vivica A. Fox, and Lela Rochon
Director: Gregory Nava
Why It’s Great: Like my novel, A Songwriter’s Death, this movie doesn’t focus on the musician directly. Instead its a look at how the music industry affects their loved ones. As well as a glimpse into how harmful the drugs and rock and roll can be to their family’s mental health in addition to the musicians. It’s heartfelt, poignant, and a little funny. I’d be surprised if you came away from this loving the guy.
Where to see it right now: Rent/Buy in the usual places. Watch the trailer now.
What do moviegoers say:
- “A fresh, enlightening example of how to take a tragic American show-business story and make it funny, warm and terrifically entertaining.” – Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
- “A celebration of pop fantasies, a boyish rascal with a helium voice, and three pretty fools who fell in love with him.” – Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
1. The Five Heartbeats
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Released: March 29, 1991
Cast: Robert Townsend, Leon, Michael Wright, Harry Lennix and Tico Wells
Director: Robert Townsend
Why It’s Great: Often these music industry movies have unhappy endings. Death, Addiction, and Bankruptcy. Even if The Five Heartbeats is fiction, It was just nice to watch a group go through all the usual ups and downs and still get a happy ending. Overcome loose women, drug addiction and money grubbers. Because it is possible to overcome the music industry. See my own HEA here.
Where to see it right now: Rent/Buy in the usual places. You can also catch it on TV on BET occasionally. Watch the trailer now.
What do moviegoers say:
- “An underrated drama about the ups and downs of a Temptations-like r&b group with solid acting and fine music. If you haven’t seen it, rent it. It’s worth it.” – Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
- “Awesome movie! The best movie of its kind in my opinion. Great singing and plenty of quotable lines.” – Aaron H, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]
