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Although I mentioned it in passing last week when I broke the news that Gabrielle Union would play Geneva Wade in 'Cadillac Records', I should have paid more attention and realized that Chuck Berry is too big of a name to give it little respect.
Feeding off my story, most of the trades are now confirming that Mos Def will play Chuck Berry in the film as well.
With the addition of Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, and Beyonce Knowles as Etta James, this film will either be a hit or a joke. They better do justice to these legendary individuals.
Comments: (23)
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By: Maureen on 3/31/2008 8:27PM
I can see you worrying about Beyonce's performance, but as far as Jefferey wright and Mos Def are concerned, I don't believe they could have made better choices.
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By: sheila grier on 3/31/2008 9:14PM
Yes, all appear to be a great choices with the expection on 'B'. Yes, she has a great voice but not in the vain of Etta James. What about Jill Scott? Any feed back from Etta? Whomever plays Etta ought to be able to play Ma Rainey as well and that is not "B".
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By: Destineigh on 4/01/2008 8:10AM
As soon I saw the tag on the screen Mos Def to play Rock and Roll Legend, I know it was Chuck Berry without looking. They couldn't have matched him better. Mos Def and Union have it in the bag and will do well. Beyonce needs to stick with singing/fashion and commercials.I'm tired of seeing her face everywhere and in everything. Jill Scott would leave us wanting more in this role. The writers need to rethink this and Sheila is right: has anyone heard from or did they even consult Etta James?
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By: Kay on 4/01/2008 8:51AM
I think Mos Def can play any role because he can act. Jill Scott would have made a perfect Etta James, all around, she can act as well and we know she can blow. Miss B,........ I love her and she can sing but her acting has a long way to go before it is not considered painful.
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By: leon on 4/01/2008 9:26AM
I truly think that Jill Scott should play Ms. Etta
James. Beyonce isn't going to sing like Ms. Etta.
Well I know directors like her because of her big butt and her sowed in tracks,but she's nonthing compared to the voice of Ms. Jill Scott.
Come on people let's get serious!!!
Jill Scott should be absolutely with no second thinking pick Jill Scott for the roll of Ms. Etta James. Why is Hollywood so so dum to true performances. Dam Beyonce,I think she know her singing is not all that great,look at dream girl.
Jennifer took the light and Beyonce didn't like that.
Jay Z don't care for her,that's why he's banging someone else. Jill Scott is Etta James all day long...
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By: BIG KEV on 4/02/2008 6:09PM
YEAH!!!!GO MOS DEF!!!!
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By: Cherry on 4/01/2008 10:38AM
Beyonce as Etta James? Come one! She does not have enough "grit" to play Etta James. I have seen her perform. Beyonce cannot compare. Are they casting Miss B in hopes of garnering a bigger audience? She better do Etta justice or her we are going to talk about her to no end.
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By: wcm on 4/01/2008 1:37PM
When will the movie be out ? Muddy Waters used to play at my brothers night club so, I know him personaly. I have been an Etta James fan since I was
nine years old . Chuck Berry is a great talent and, a
very smart business man
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By: wernerrich on 4/01/2008 11:04AM
Somebody needs to tell Sheila that before you put somebody down for lack of what you think is theatrical prowess learn how to spell. It's exception not expection
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By: Cookie on 4/01/2008 2:36PM
Beyonce playing the Great Etta James? I don't think so. That is indeed a casting error. :(
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