R-E-S-P-E-C-T

The biopic about the legendary, late and great Aretha Franklin will be released to theaters Friday, Aug.13 at Cinemark 14 and AMC Sikes Senter 10 in Wichita Falls. Academy Award-Winner Jennifer Hudson is headlining as Franklin alongside Forrest Whitaker. Hudson is also one of the executive producers.

Writers Liesl Tommy and Tracey Scott Wilson, who also wrote the screenplay, trace Franklin’s life from the inception of her singing career in her pastor father’s church in Detroit through her rise to becoming an international superstar. I love that the movie is titled “RESPECT” named after Franklin’s Billboard hit. That title embodies Franklin’s journey perfectly because she spent much of her life demanding respect from everyone she encountered. I suppose there were times when she felt like she did not deserve to be respected after having her first child at 12 years old and her second child at 14 years old. Rather than chastise his daughter, Pastor C.L. Franklin embraced her mistake and frequently reminded her about the importance of demanding respect.

“Respect” was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, and it was later rearranged and released by Aretha Franklin in 1965. This award-winning song was listed as one of the greatest songs of all time and topped the charts. In addition, the song, as interpreted and performed by Ms. Franklin, became the anthem for the feminist movement in the 70s.

Passing away in 2018 at 76 years old, Franklin will remain in the hearts of her fans. Her legacy rings loudly through our stereo speakers while we listen to and cherish some of her greatest hits such as Chain, Chain, Chain “Chain of Fools,” “Dr. Feelgood,” a remake of John Lennon’s and Paul McCartney’s “Let It Be,” and “Bridge over Troubled Water.” Franklin’s success was hinged on the authenticity listeners and fans could feel in her music. Ms. Franklin made you believe every word she sang. She was the truth. As real music such as Franklin’s slowly dissipates under the care of some modern singers, I wonder what caused the shift from singing about life and love to singing about sex and drugs. Sure, art imitates life, and artists’ work is typically based on their lives, which means our values are shifting.

Nevertheless, I enjoy listening to the old classics such as Franklin’s songs that move me. I am impressed by her vocal ability and broad range, allowing her to sing every genre, including opera. Yes, opera!

I am looking forward to hearing Jennifer Hudson’s explosive voice cover Franklin’s tunes.

The entire cast comprises Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, Tate Donovan and Mary J. Blige. Considering the rave re

Considering the rave reviews, watching this movie could be the best two hours and 25 minutes you’ve spent in a long time.

I hope to see you at the theater next Friday.