Cadillac Records
Seen it?2008 | 109 min | Drama, History, Music
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a box office loss, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Ma Rainey's Black Bottom or Selena, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 49 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
The story of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in 1950s Chicago, and the exciting but turbulent lives of some of America's musical legends, including Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James and Chuck Berry.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
66% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$9 million worldwide on a $12 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 170K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Selena
Saturday SpecialAnother historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
Beats
Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Born to Be Blue Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
All Eyez on Me Weeknight WatchAnother historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Darnell Martin
- Adrien BrodyLeonard Chess
- Jeffrey WrightMuddy Waters
- Gabrielle UnionGeneva Wade
- Columbus ShortLittle Walter
- Cedric the EntertainerWillie Dixon
- Emmanuelle ChriquiRevetta Chess
- Eamonn WalkerHowlin' Wolf
- Tammy BlanchardIsabelle Allen
- Eric BogosianAlan Freed
- Norman ReedusChess Engineer