
Movie Info
Genre :
Drama, MusicalRelease Date :
December 05, 2008Director :
Darnell MartinStarring :
Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Beyonce Knowles, Columbus Short, Mos Def, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Cedric the Entertainer, Gabrielle Union, Tammy Blanchard
REVIEWS RATE:
Critics
Readers
[Rate It]
Glitzy 'Cadillac Records' Premiere in New York
December 02, 2008 01:12:38After a premiere in Los Angeles late November, "Cadillac Records" brought the glam to New York. On Monday, December 1, the drama musical saw a star-studded screening event being held at AMC Loews 19th Street in the Big Apple, where stars from Beyonce Knowles to Kelly Ripa were spotted.
Though missing out on the signature red carpet, the premiere extravaganza was still attended by Knowles' co-stars, Adrien Brody, Columbus Short, Eamonn Walker, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Gabrielle Union, Mos Def, Chyna Layne and Jeffrey Wright. Producer Sofia Sondervan and director Darnell Martin also made time to come to the event.
...
Beyonce Knowles Sings Church Bells as Etta James in 'Cadillac Records' Clip
November 27, 2008 04:11:47Another "Cadillac Records" has made its way out. While the previous clips show either Jeffrey Wright's Muddy Waters, Columbus Short's Little Walter or Mos Def's Chuck Berry, this clip focuses merely on Beyonce Knowles' character, Etta James.
Taking nearly 3 minutes to be watched, it highlights on the moment James is challenged by Adrien Brody's Leonard Chess to sing her Church Bells track, saying she is not woman enough for the song and asking her whether she knows about being in love. Taking the bait, James who is about to leave the recording studio steps back in front of the mic and sings the song whole-heartedly.
...
'Cadillac Records' Stars Glammed Up for Los Angeles Premiere
November 25, 2008 02:11:58A Los Angeles premiere event for "Cadillac Records" has been held on Monday, November 24, evening, at The Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, California. Benefiting Phoenix House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those affected by addiction, the gala saw the film's stars dressing up for the special occasion.
While scruffy Adrien Brody walked down the red carpet wearing a black suit, his co-star Beyonce Knowles came to the premiere dressed in a black Dolce & Gabbana dress with puff sleeves. Brody was accompanied by Elsa Pataky, whereas Knowles brought her mother, Tina Knowles, to the special evening.
...
Two New Clips and a TV Spot From 'Cadillac Records'
November 22, 2008 11:11:13Two new clips from "Cadillac Records" has been put out along with a freshly-released television promo. One of the clips is premiered via MySpace, while the other is an exclusive clip from MTV. Though, both snippets bring in never-before-seen footage from the drama musical movie by Darnell Martin.
In the MySpace clip, it can be seen that Jeffrey Wright's Muddy Waters and Columbus Short's Little Walter are collaborating together in recording a song. The clip also shows Adrien Brody's Leonard Chess watching the session from behind the glass and enjoying the music the two are making. Meanwhile, the MTV clip presents the time Mos Def's Chuck Berry is trying to make his way into a club despite the skepticism from the club operators.
...
Beyonce Knowles' 'Cadillac Records' Welcomes Trailer
November 05, 2008 09:11:45Following the outing of "Cadillac Records" TV spot late October, a brand new trailer of the drama musical movie has been unveiled. Presented firstly through Yahoo! Movies, the trailer gives more glimpses into the blues and the drama the TriStar Pictures movie is offering. It also introduces some of the main characters, including Adrien Brody's Leonard Chess, Jeffrey Wright's Muddy Waters, Columbus Short's Little Walter and Beyonce Knowles's Etta James.
Chronicling the story of how the blues became popular and gave birth to rock and roll, "Records" follows an ambitious young Polish emigrant Leonard Chess as he builds his recording business, the Chess Records, and his recording artists as they struggle between their business and personal matters. Starting it all with the hiring of blues musician combo, Muddy Waters and Little Walter, Chess puts together his line of musicians and treats them like a family.
...
'Cadillac Records' Teases Beyonce Knowles' Etta James Through TV Spot
October 25, 2008 10:10:26The first TV spot to drama musical "Cadillac Records" has recently made its way for fans enjoyment. Giving a taste to the music and drama happening around the movie that is based on a true event, it teases the performances of Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess, Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters and Beyonce Knowles as Etta James.
Chronicling rise and fall of influential R 'n' B record label, Chess Records, this Sony drama musical is set in 1950's Chicago. The story resolves around the lives of the label's recording artists, including Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf, Etta James and Chuck Berry, all of whom are considered to be America's musical legends.
...
Rapper Mos Def Rock and Rolling for 'Cadillac'
March 29, 2008 01:03:42Grammy Award-nominated rapper Mos Def has been set to join the star-studded cast of the upcoming drama musical "Cadillac Records". According to Hollywood Reporter, the 34-year-old hip-hop artist has been tapped to play the rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry.
By playing the influential figure in the rock 'n' roll music, Def is the latest addition to the cast that include Adrien Brody, Beyonce Knowles, Columbus Short, Cedric the Entertainer, Gabrielle Union. In bringing the story of Chess Records' rise and fall to the big screen, the rapper whose acting skills are also recognized by the entertainment industry will join the other theps in New Jersey since the film is currently being shot there.
...
Gabrielle Union Joins Beyonce Knowles in 'Cadillac'
March 26, 2008 02:03:47The actress who played Will Smith's girlfriend in "Bad Boys 2" Gabrielle Union has reportedly cast in the Sony's drama musical "Cadillac Records". According to BlackFilm.com, the actress has been confirmed of joining the star-studded cast that includes Adrien Brody and Beyonce Knowles.
In the film, Union will play Geneva Wade, the girlfriend, and later wife, of the Father of Chicago blues Muddy Waters. By landing the role, she would star opposite Jeffrey Wright who was set earlier to portray Waters. Prior to this project, Union has starred in many feature films, including "Breakin' All the Rules", "Deliver Us From Eva" and "Bring It On".
...
Preparing for 'Cadillac', Beyonce Knowles Trained by Legendary Etta James
February 22, 2008 01:02:22Grammy-winning singer Beyonce Knowles is up for special treat as she will be coached by Etta James herself for her feature film role as the blues and R 'n' B legend. According to PageSix.com, the 26-year-old R 'n' B singer will star in "Cadillac Records" under the guidance of the 70-year-old hitmaker of timeless classic "At Last".
The news of James coaching the "Deja Vu" singer who also serves as the film's producer was broken by the Grammy Lifetime Achievement receiver herself. Talking to PageSix, she revealed that she will make Knowles works hard to be able to impersonate her, "Oh my god, she's going to have a hill to climb, because Etta James ain't been no angel! I kinda have a man's voice. It's a contralto, more bluesy, religious. I would really like to work with her on that."
...
Set to Star in 'Cadillac', Beyonce Knowles Double Her Role as Exec Producer
February 20, 2008 04:02:00Coming on board the drama musical "Cadillac Records" as an actress proved to be not enough for Beyonce Knowles as she adds "executive producer" title for her involvement in the movie. According to Hollywood Reporter, the 26-year-old "Bootylicious" singer has signed on for the role of the film's executive.
Before joining the film as executive producer, the co-star of Jennifer Hudson in "Dreamgirls", has agreed to portray 1950s' singer Etta James for the Sony BMG Films' movie. She joined the rest of the cast that include Adrien Brody, Columbus Short, Cedric the Entertainer and Tammy Blanchard.
...
Beyonce Knowles to Star in Drama Musical 'Cadillac Records'
January 28, 2008 01:01:16"Bootylicious" hitmaker Beyonce Knowles will once again appear in the big screen. According to reports, the R 'n' B superstar is set to star in Sony BMG's drama musical about musical legends of the 1950s "Cadillac Records".
Knowles reportedly will be portraying the renowned singer Etta James whose hits include "I Just Want To Make Love To You" and "At Last". On the part, an insider revealed, "Beyonce is a massive fan of the superb Etta. She's honoured to play her." Meanwhile, according to BlackFilm.com, the news about the joining of the 26-year-old singer was outed by Cedric the Entertainer.
...
'The Pianist' Star Adrien Brody to Star as Music-Biz Figure
January 22, 2008 11:01:13The Academy Award-winning actor for "The Pianist" Adrien Brody will be paired with multiple awards-winning actor Jeffrey Wright in Sony BMG Film's new film project. According to Variety, the two actors will depict a pair of major music-biz figures in "Cadillac Records".
Brody will star as famed blues/R 'n' B record executive Leonard Chess, while Wright will be portraying musician Muddy Waters. In the movie focused on Chicago in the '50s, the two big names will be joining the cast of Columbus Short, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Cedric the Entertainer and Tammy Blanchard.
...
Reader's Reviews

i absoultuley loveeeee columbus short!!!!!
posted by xxjonnydontexx on Jul 19, 2008
I liked Dreamgirls and this looks like it might good too. Can't wait to see it.
posted by a.n. on Oct 29, 2008Egh. I feel like I've seen this movie before. Wasn't it called Ray or Dreamgirls or something like that? Although I think Mos Def has great potential as an actor, I refuse to sit through another Beyonce kNowles performance.
posted by erin on Nov 27, 2008
i was at the premiere & the movie was amazing.. she was fantastic.. i had my doubts... the music is killer!
posted by boo on Nov 28, 2008
excellent, but sketchy
posted by paperprince on Dec 06, 2008
Beyonce is a outstanding performer but I think it could have been better. I personally feel that etta james has a more driven character. She's more factual and spontaneous.When beyonce plays a role it's more like drama and suspense. so when you put beyonce in a film like this. you can't mix suspense with history. when you think of history you think drama and what happen in those early ages of a person life or something. But the point of it all is that pick someone who can depict that person peronality and background. Most importsntly their character. Like christina aguilera for example I heard her version of " At last" it was really good. for the first time I think christina could have played her not because her background but figuratively speaking she dould have played her. Take a look at etta james earlier pictures even though she's a african american descendant but she does have some exotic features so does christina. so if they might think of reshaping the movie.I think christina might be a option.
posted by ms. lady on Dec 12, 2008
B you did your thang girl she should be proud Etta give credit where it's due and that youngster put you back on the map stop hating people she's handling her buisness and you know it i am a beyonce fan this is true but now i'm also a etta james fan B Stay true to you people will alway's talk even when they don't have s*** worthwhile to say & remember they paid and will continue to pay to see you on screen keep doing you ! and keep giving them s***to talk about alway's a fan
posted by tea are on Apr 28, 2009Beyonce did a GREAT job in this performance as Etta James!
posted by nan26 on Sep 28, 2009
I wanted to feel the real story of Lady Etta! She was not portrayed well here.
posted by hotlegz on Oct 09, 2009


