Hmmm.

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Firstly and such, I’d love it if biographical motion pictures based on musicians began to break away from convention.

Linear storytelling + a specific trauma/conflict + ascension into stardom + overcoming an obstacle + peppering in scenes from the childhood intro cannot be the only way to tell an artist’s story.

Audiences recognize the paint-by-numbers narrative structure—it’s overdone.

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“Respect” lacked depth, ran hollow, and felt like a copy/paste of other biopics.

I was expecting an epic—a richer tapestry of Aretha Franklin’s life, pain, heartbreak, struggles, which is exactly what this film set out to do. However, the first half of the film lacked the nuance and specificity I was hoping for. The screenplay felt like an Aretha Franklin Wikipedia article—I was not dazzled.

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The performances were fine.

Jennifer Hudson’s performance was stellar, but that was to be expected. The woman could sing the “Terms and Conditions” and I’d buy a ticket. She carried the film. (Well, her performances of Aretha’s music carried the film.)

I’d also like to give it up to Marlon Wayans for aging all proper-like. He has been preaching for decades that he needs dramatic acting opportunities, and after this performance, I think he’s due. I wasn’t blown away by his portrayal of Franklin’s abusive husband Ted White, but I think all he needs is one good’t role to take him over the moon. Like in an A24 indie or something.

I appreciated how his character and Hudson switched up their accents. Then I didn’t…and then I did again. It’s weird—there were moments when I felt like I was watching an Aretha archive during one of my unintentional YouTube rabbit holes, and other moments when I was fully aware that I was watching actors.

Also, Tituss Burgess deserves everything. He is one of the most talented men on this planet. Give that being all the roles. He kills them every time. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

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The cinematography was decent. The arc camera movement showing the transition from child to adult Aretha while she was singing in church was cool, though it was a little too on the nose. It gave Lifetime Original movie vibes.

I cannot say many shots were memorable.

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The costuming and hairstyling departments knew what the hell the assignment was. During the final when Hudson entered the church and greeted members of the congregation, I jumped.

Jennifer was Aretha at that moment. She looked exactly like Aretha in the archival footage used for “Amazing Grace,” the documentary produced from the recording of Franklin’s gospel album with the New Bethel Baptist Church Choir in 1972. She even curled her lip the same way Aretha did.

…AND SANG THAT SONG INTO THE FLOOR.

Whew chyyyyyyyy…

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The film ending on a high note saved it. Using the footage of Aretha singing in tribute to Carole King at the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors was a grand conclusion into the closing credits.