Get Up!

An aging Yakuza boss decides to retire, and dreams of one day seeing James Brown perform live again, just like when he first saw him in the 60's. As an order from his number 2, 3 of his clan members decide to kidnap James Brown so he can perform for the boss personally, but they instead capture a look-a-like.

This movie was absolutely stupid. The plot was stupid, the laughs were not there when they were meant to be, and nothing stood out as being exceptional or even mediocre.

I don't care if you are a huge James Brown fan. This movie is utterly bad. 1/10

I found it to be a fun and lighthearted comedy, with more than a few touching moments as well. The James Brown lookalike subplot was amusing, but the strongest element of the film is the Yakuza boss's attempts to reunite with his daughter, and bond with the granddaughter he never knew he had. The cast was fantastic, especially the stunning woman playing Kaori, and the super-cute little girl playing her daughter. More than anything, this is just a fun film, even if it does get pretty silly and contrived at times. And by the way, I'm a film critic, and one not easily swayed by crap movies. I'm not a James Brown fan at all, either (don't dislike him, just not a fan). Nevertheless, I still dug this movie and the soundtrack.

8.5/10