Ray
It's probably quite obvious what this movie is about. As a young black boy living in Florida, Ray Charles Robinson even then had an ear for music, learning from an old shop owner how to play the piano. His ears would be all that he has left when glaucoma strikes and he is left blind. Fast forward to his 20s when he rouses crowds with his voice and piano play. Various people take advantage of his talent and blindness, but it isn't until he signs a contract with Atlantic Records when he hits the big-time. Along the way, Ray attracts a wife (Kerry Washington), a mistress on the road (Regina King), and a heroin addiction. It takes time, but Ray straightens out his life so we can remember him today as the music pioneer he is.

If you see Ray for only one reason, it's this: Mr. Jamie Foxx. His portrayal of the blind Ray Charles is extraordinary, from the piano-playing to the times where he had to deal with his blindness. The movie that surrounds him could have certainly used some more work. While 3 hours may seem short to detail the life of such a great man, many of its scenes seem repetitive and its overuse doesn't serve to emphasize key points. The multiple times we see Ray feeling up some lady's arm or shooting up heroin had me looking at my watch multiple times. The filmmakers' decision to essentially end the movie in a rehabilitation center also deprived us from witnessing some of the more memorable moments from late in his life, including his rousing rendition of America the Beautiful. However, the great early hits of Ray Charles and the rousing performance of Foxx is enough to watch this film. 3 stars