This film is not perfect. It has has some notable omissions (notably Leonard Chess's brother and business partner, Phil) and flits quickly through twenty years of complex history. But these weaknesses are overshadowed by the energy supplied by a fantastic cast who make the characters of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howling Wolf and Etta Baker come alive. I would not be surprised to see some Oscar nominations come out of this group. And they even sing most of the music! Among the various music industry biopics, this one is among the best.

loved, loved, loved, Beyonce's portrayol of Etta James.

This movie's rather choppy story telling of the lives of these important blues legends was saved by the great soundtrack and visual performance of their rousing music. Such an undertold (untold?) (and unfamiliar to anyone under 60) musical time period, I longed for more of a documentary approach, without the forced drama, particularily the scenes involving Etta James. Performances were all very credible, with the exception of Beyonce, who, even under a short blonde wig, is a just too recognizable as the product she is. An unfamiliar face would have been much more effective story telling. The what-became-of-them credits shown at the end of the movie were welcome, but you'd better first revisit your Evelyn Wood Speed-Reading course, cause they aren't shown long enough to be completely read, much less reflected upon. An accompanying in-the-era picture of each of these important ledgends was a missing touch as well. A welcome musical acknowledgment, and very worthy entertainment

Excellent docudrama about the founding life and times of Chess Records. The music makes the movie....for my money, Beyonce was superb, but the one who stole the show was Eamonn Walker who played Howlin' Wolf... Wow....electrifying.

This is not a guarantee but a great offer for anyone desperately seeking a good movie. If you enjoy movie's like Ray or Walk the lIne, you will definitely enjoy this movie. It involes the story of four music artists comin up in Chess records in Chicago. Although the story is not different those movies previously mentioned, the characters generate a very interesting cast. From Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Etta James, and Chuck Berry; you will be amused and impressed by the great acting. Especially Colunbus Short's role as Little Walter, he was the standout actor among Jeffry Wright and Mos Def. Beyonce was great as well with her 20 minutes, her and Mos Def did a great job for having such short parts. The rest was good too but not standout enough to mention in this review. In my honest opinion i don't think the movie will recieve an award but its definitely worth seeing.