I grew up with Aretha Franklin. Her music was all over my young life and I loved her.
“Natural Woman” was an anthem to all women in the late sixties and seventies. So, I really looked forward to this film and I was not disappointed. I wanted to get up and dance to every song and to applaud when they were finished.
“Respect” follows the rise of Franklin’s career from being awakened late at night as a young child to sing at her father’s parties to international superstardom. “Respect” is the true story of the music icon’s journey to find happiness and a little respect in her life.
Franklin, who died three years ago of pancreatic cancer, wanted Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson to play her in the movie and play her she does. Hudson is just amazing. Franklin would be proud.
Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker plays her father, CL Franklin. Saycon Sengbloh and Hailey Kilgore are her sisters, Erma and Carolyn, who sang backup for her. Audra McDonald plays her mother, Barbara, who was divorced from her father and seldom got to see her daughter. Marlon Wayans is Franklin’s first husband, Ted White, who also was her manager. I wanted to slap him every time he appeared on screen. What a rotter.
Besides Hudson, 13-year-old Skye Dakota Turner who played a young Aretha was simply astonishing. Turner was on Broadway playing the young Tina Turner until COVID shut down the production. This girl has the most amazing set of pipes. I saw an interview she did when she was only 11 and she was so poised and smart. Her powerhouse performance as the young Aretha will leave you with chills. She is truly a star on the rise.
Hudson’s costumes are breathtaking. All the costumes were time sensitive, but Hudson’s were spectacular. Whoever did Hudson’s hair styles were right on the mark. I felt like I was traveling in a time capsule looking at the myriad of different hair styles Aretha wore.
The film was directed by Liesl Tommy and the screenplay was written by Tracey Scott Wilson. The story was by Academy Award-winner Callie Khouri and Tracey Scott Wilson. Khouri is the writer of “Thelma and Louise.” When I was in Hollywood, I had the privilege of meeting with Khouri regularly at the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA). Besides being a fantastic writer, she is a very nice person.
For anyone who loves Aretha Franklin’s music, this is a must see.
”Respect” is rated PG-13 and playing at Edwardsville, East Alton and Alton. I give “Respect” five stars.
Movie critic Mary Cox lives in Wood River and studied film at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has worked in L.A. with various directors and industry professionals. Contact Mary at mary.cox@edwpub.net.
