Biopics are all the rage right now: Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocket Man, and now Respect, about Aretha Franklin. I have to say, it's a decent movie for its kind.
Follow Aretha Franklin's early life, from her youthful debuts at her father's soirées to the release of her gospel album in the early 70s.
That's it, that's the summary. If, like me, you were born after her peak in the 70s, you might not find the movie as interesting. But from a historical perspective, it was an interesting movie. Franklin seemed close to MLK, and his death affected her a great deal. It would have been interesting to see a little more of her civil rights activism.
Jennifer Hudson resurrected the Queen of Soul in a majestic way. She carried emotions very well and the singing parts could probably confound the average listener for the real Queen. There was also a scene after a drunken night where the image is blurry; Hudson's acting was stellar.
Finally - I don't know if it was a genuine recollection - it was interesting to see Blacks being overtly racist over Whites. The woke wouldn't say it's racism (something, something, structures of oppression), but the anti-White slurs were quite raw.
In short, Respect is good entertainment. Hudson gave a stellar performance, the melodrama isn't exaggerated and the singing will make you relive your youth if you're that old.
Final rating: 3.5/5