First look: ‘Get On Up’
L to R CRAIG ROBINSON as Maceo Parker and CHADWICK BOSEMAN as James Brown in "Get on Up", the incredible life story of the Godfather of Soul, from director Tate Taylor. (Copyright © 2014 Universal Studios)
What: “Get On Up”
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis, Craig Robinson and Octavia Spencer
Writers: Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth
Director: Tate Taylor
The story: The life of James Brown (Boseman), from his impoverished roots to his status as the Godfather of Soul, is told in this biopic.
The buzz: Taylor and Boseman both have proven track records with historical dramas. “Get on Up” is Taylor’s follow-up to “The Help,” and it provides Boseman’s first leading role since portraying Jackie Robinson in “42.”
— CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE
