Adrian Brody has managed to dazzle many a woman with his modestly-sized schnoz, thereby blind-siding them so he can then attack their lips. It worked on Halle Berry and Naomi Watts – and now he is at it again with Beyonce Knowles!

The independent woman is at the acting game again, this time alongside Brody who plays Leonard Chess, founder of Chess Records. The film tells the story of the rise of Chess Records and its owner along with its first artist Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright). Other notable artists join the two in the studios, including; Chuck Berry (Mos Def), The Rolling Stones and Etta James (Beyonce).

Such an ensemble of talent only makes what’s on offer here feel all the more bloated. Each character comes with such a history and rich, complex background – made more interesting by the era of racial hate and prejudice – that it all becomes unfocused.

So it falls on the two leads – Leonard and Muddy – to drive the proceedings and although the two do an admirable job, their stories feel rushed amidst the flurry of a bolstering cast. Muddy is the more interesting of the two – over the decades his relationship with his wife, his best friend Little Walter (Columbus Short) and Leonard give the story the much needed dramatic edge.

Although all the supporting characters give fleeting, outstanding performances, Beyonce gives the most notable turn. Getting beneath Etta James’ skin would be a tough task for a new actress but she proves that her equally impressive performance in Dreamgirls was no fluke.

Unfortunately the film that all these intriguing, charismatic musicians exist within is a disappointment. While Wright and Brody do their best to steer the story forward, ultimately they’re not as interesting as everyone else. The rise of the blues, rock n’ roll and human rights makes for compelling viewing and the runtime only skims the surface. There is a bigger, better film within this but as it is it remains a decent biopic with a great soundtrack to boot!

Extras:

A fair attempt at a commentary from the writer/director and a Beyonce circle-jerk of a behind-the-scenes documentary as well as another on the design of the film.

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