Get on Up Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A poor kid dances his way out of poverty but then he is a jerk to everyone because dancing made him rich.

🍿 Get on Up: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Turbulent Childhood and Early Influences

The film portrays James Brown’s early life marked by poverty, abandonment, and abuse. He’s raised in a brothel by his Aunt Honey, exposing him to a harsh reality while also nurturing his musical talent through church choir. These experiences shape his determination and drive to succeed.

Finding His Voice and Breaking Barriers

After a stint in prison for stealing a suit, Brown joins Bobby Byrd’s gospel group, The Famous Flames, marking the beginning of his musical career. He confronts racism and industry norms, pushing boundaries with his energetic performances and innovative sound. His ambition and talent quickly propel him to the forefront, even upstaging established acts like The Rolling Stones. The movie depicts his early struggles to be accepted and respected.

Success, Strife, and Self-Destruction

The height of Brown’s career is depicted with his iconic performances and growing influence. However, his success is paralleled by personal struggles, including strained relationships, substance abuse, and violent behavior. The film shows his increasing isolation and the consequences of his self-destructive tendencies. He alienates those closest to him, including Bobby Byrd, ultimately leading to their separation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• James Brown (Chadwick Boseman): The ambitious and innovative ‘Godfather of Soul’ rises from poverty to become a music icon, battling personal demons along the way.
• Bobby Byrd (Nelsan Ellis): James Brown’s loyal friend and bandmate, Bobby supports him through thick and thin, yet ultimately struggles with Brown’s ego and control.
• Susie Brown (Viola Davis): James Brown’s mother, Susie abandons him as a child due to poverty and personal struggles, leaving a lasting impact on his life.
• Ben Bart (Dan Aykroyd): As James Brown’s manager, Ben guides his career, navigating the complex world of show business and supporting Brown’s artistic vision.
• Aunt Honey (Octavia Spencer): Aunt Honey provides James with a home and a semblance of stability during his turbulent childhood after being abandoned.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• James Brown: “I’m James Brown!” – Often states his name with confidence, reflecting his self-assuredness and establishing his iconic status.
• Aunt Honey: “You special. You mama’s a no account fool, your daddy too, but you ain’t going to be. You gonna be okay. One day, everybody going to know your name.” – Aunt Honey gives young James encouragement and support when his parents are not there for him.
• James Brown: “Welcome to America.” – James Brown says this to The Rolling Stones after outperforming them on stage at the T.A.M.I. Show, asserting his dominance.
• James Brown: “I’m the hardest working man in show business!” – James Brown proclaims himself to be the hardest working man in show business, this became his iconic persona.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $30,703,100
• Worldwide Gross: $33,448,971

💥 Get on Up Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by Chadwick Boseman’s performance as James Brown! I knew he was talented, but this was something else. He really did capture the stage presence. The concert scene in Paris was so good and gave me chills. It’s a shame that his life had so many problems, but the movie does a great job of showing his fire and passion.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of James Brown and soul music”
  • “Viewers interested in biographical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “People interested in African-American history and culture”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Domestic abuse”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While Boseman electrifies as Brown, the film’s non-linear structure and glossing over darker aspects dilute its impact. It’s a decent tribute, but lacks the grit and depth to truly capture the Godfather of Soul.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Boseman’s performance is undeniable, but the film struggles to find its footing. The chaotic storytelling hinders emotional connection, making it a sporadically entertaining but ultimately superficial biopic.
• Rolling Stone: “Chadwick Boseman’s performance is what makes this worth watching. He completely embodies James Brown. It’s a bit surface level, but it’s a must see for the performance alone.

Audience Reactions

Chadwick Boseman IS James Brown!: Viewers consistently praised Boseman’s transformation and captivating performance.

The music is amazing and makes you want to dance.: Many viewers enjoyed the soundtrack and felt the musical numbers were highlights.

Overall Consensus: Chadwick Boseman’s exceptional performance is the highlight of this biopic, but the non-linear storytelling and glossing over darker aspects create a somewhat uneven experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chadwick Boseman did all of his own dancing in the film, showcasing his dedication to portraying James Brown authentically.”
• “Mick Jagger served as one of the producers of the film, bringing his own experience as a performer to the project.”
• “The film employs a non-linear narrative structure, jumping between different periods in James Brown’s life to reflect his stream of consciousness.”

🖥️ How to Watch Get on Up?

Get on Up is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for television airings. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can also be found at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Get on Up, you might like these similar films:

• Ray (2004): Both are biopics about influential musicians overcoming adversity and personal demons to achieve stardom.
• Walk the Line (2005): Similar to ‘Get on Up’, this film explores the life and career of a music icon, Johnny Cash, focusing on his struggles and triumphs.
• Cadillac Records (2008): This film explores the early history of Chess Records and several influential blues musicians, capturing a similar era of musical innovation.
• Rocketman (2019): A flamboyant and energetic biopic of Elton John, capturing the essence of a musical icon’s life and career with visual flair and musical performances.

🛒 Get on Up Related Products

• Get On Up [Blu-ray]: Own the movie in stunning high definition and relive Chadwick Boseman’s incredible performance as James Brown!
• Star Wars The Black Series Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa Black Panther: Marvel tribute to Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, amazing quality action figure
• Funko Pop! Rocks: James Brown Collectible Figure: Show your love for the Godfather of Soul with this Funko Pop! figure of James Brown in his iconic stage attire.
• James Brown – 50th Anniversary Live at the Apollo: Celebrate James Brown’s legendary performance with this live album, featuring all the hits and raw energy of his iconic show.

🎧 Soundtrack

Get on Up features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” – performed by James Brown
• “Please, Please, Please” – performed by James Brown
• “I Got You (I Feel Good)” – performed by James Brown
• “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” – performed by James Brown
• “Try Me” – performed by James Brown

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Get On Up | Chadwick Boseman as James Brown at the Olympia, Paris 1971 Concert

Seriously, you HAVE to see Chadwick Boseman NAIL the James Brown performance from the movie! It’s like he actually BECAME James Brown on stage. Definitely worth a watch if you want to see the magic!

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Get On Up’ | On Cinema Season 5, Episode 5 | Adult Swim

Want a hilarious take on ‘Get On Up’? These guys from ‘On Cinema’ hilariously dissect the movie, comparing it to… ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’? You won’t regret watching this!

James Brown vs The Rolling Stones | Chadwick Boseman in Get On Up | Screen Bites

Check out this intense scene where James Brown opens for the Rolling Stones! It really highlights the energy and the struggle he went through to become a legend. Give it a watch, you’ll see what I mean!

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