
Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown
Seen it?2014 | 115 min | Music, Documentary
Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe
With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious. If you loved The Last Waltz, start here.
- The mood
- Eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 55 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
James Brown changed the face of American music forever. Abandoned by his parents at an early age, James Brown was a self-made man who became one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, not just through his music, but also as a social activist. Charting his journey from rhythm and blues to funk, MR. DYNAMITE: THE RISE OF JAMES BROWN features rare and previously unseen footage, photographs and interviews, chronicling the musical ascension of “the hardest working man in show business,” from his first hit, “Please, Please, Please,” in 1956, to his iconic performances at the Apollo Theater, the T.A.M.I. Show, the Paris Olympia and more.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
Not enough engagement data yet
Trailer
More like this
WhitneySunday Safe BetAnother music film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Last WaltzSaturday SpecialAnother documentary.
When We Were KingsSunday Safe BetAlso stars James Brown, in another documentary, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Top HatSaturday SpecialAnother music film.
HoneyMonday Morning MaybeAnother music film. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Alex Gibney
- James BrownSelf (archive footage)
- Bootsy CollinsSelf
- Chuck DSelf
- Mick JaggerSelf
- QuestloveSelf
- Bobby ByrdSelf
- Melvin ParkerSelf
- Maceo ParkerSelf
- Clyde StubblefieldSelf
- Martha HighSelf