‘Respect’ a powerful look at Franklin’s career

Aretha Franklin (aka ‘The Queen of Soul’) is regarded as the most influential female vocalist of the 1960s. Over the years, Franklin recorded and produced numerous hits and albums.

Now, fans of Aretha Franklin’s music can finally see the biopic of one of the best singers of all time on the big screen.

In the United Artists Releasing/MGM presentation of ‘Respect,’ following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career — from a child singing in her father’s choir to her international superstardom — it’s the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

‘Respect’ is a powerful, heartfelt portrait of the incredible singer. The feature film delivers a lot of great performances (primarily from Jennifer Hudson) and amazing music.

Hudson gives a knock-out performance as the late singer. The actress got Franklin’s mannerisms and charisma down perfectly. And, of course, the actress-singer knocks it out of the park with her incredible voice. With how well she sings Franklin’s songs, sometimes you swear you are seeing the real Aretha Franklin and not an actress portraying her. I am sure that when awards season starts up, Hudson will be a shoo-in for nominations.

The film primarily focuses on Aretha Franklin’s younger years going from her childhood to her early years of her career. And, in the film, it shows that even though her career didn’t start nearly as well as she had hoped, she would bounce back. ‘Respect’ also dives into her troubles with alcoholism, a terrible first marriage and so much more.

So, come on down to the Dietrich and check out the biopic of the “Queen of Soul.” It features great performances, terrific music and a glimpse of the late singer’s illustrious career.

The cast: Jennifer Hudson (Cats) as Aretha Franklin; Forest Whitaker (Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Story) as C.L. Franklin; Audra McDonald (Beauty and the Beast) as Barbara Franklin; Saycon Sengblog (OWNs Delilah) as Erma Franklin; Hailey Kilgore as Carolyn Franklin; Marc Maron (Netflix’s Spenser Confidential; Joker) as Jerry Wexler; Kimberly Scott as Mama Franklin; Tate Donovon (CBS MacGyvor) as John Hammond); Myk Watford (The Kitchen) as Rick Hall and Marlon Wayans as Ted White.

‘Respect’ is written by Tracey Scott Wilson and directed by Liesel Tommy.

A film based on the life of Aretha Franklin has been in development for several years. Before her death in 2018, Franklin personally wanted Jennifer Hudson to portray her and was involved with some of the project’s developments.

Aretha Franklin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979, had her voice declared a Michigan “natural resource”

in 1985, and became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded her a Grammy Legend Award in 1991 and then the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.

Some of her famous songs include: ‘Chain of Fools,’ ‘I Say A Little Prayer,’ ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’, and, of course, ‘Respect.’

The feature film earned decent reviews from critics and grossed an estimated $8.8 million during its opening weekend.

‘Respect’ is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, strong language including racial epithets, violence, suggestive material and smoking and has a running time of 145 minutes.