Overall, I appreciated this movie, but I wanted to like it even more.
This film is cast fairly well, although the vocalizations from all four leads border on caricaturist... the actors gave it their all, but their personas felt a bit pushed and imitative. It's a difficult, fine balance whenever an actor portrays a real person. This task is perhaps more challenging in this film, because all four of these historical figures are quite esteemed, even to this day.
Several female co-stars got the short shrift - scarce lines. With Regina King at the helm, it's baffling that this would fly. She didn't write the screenplay, yet she did work in close collaboration with Kemp Powers, the screenwriter. Having said that, there are parts of the dialogue which are genuinely stirring.
The production design, costumes, and score were beautiful.
This film has a smattering of ironic, humorous moments which serve it well, because a good chunk of the film is a bit intense, with regards to philosophy and interpersonal tensions. The rhythm got bogged down several times, but there are some lively moments, especially revolving around musical performances.
This film is cast fairly well, although the vocalizations from all four leads border on caricaturist... the actors gave it their all, but their personas felt a bit pushed and imitative. It's a difficult, fine balance whenever an actor portrays a real person. This task is perhaps more challenging in this film, because all four of these historical figures are quite esteemed, even to this day.
Several female co-stars got the short shrift - scarce lines. With Regina King at the helm, it's baffling that this would fly. She didn't write the screenplay, yet she did work in close collaboration with Kemp Powers, the screenwriter. Having said that, there are parts of the dialogue which are genuinely stirring.
The production design, costumes, and score were beautiful.
This film has a smattering of ironic, humorous moments which serve it well, because a good chunk of the film is a bit intense, with regards to philosophy and interpersonal tensions. The rhythm got bogged down several times, but there are some lively moments, especially revolving around musical performances.