“Respect” (Rated T)

Cast: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald,

Genre: Biography, Drama/Musical

Where to watch: In theaters

Dwight’s Rating:

Admit it – if you had to choose a current actress and/or singer to play the legendary Aretha Franklin in a movie about her remarkable life, Jennifer Hudson would definitely be at the top of your short list of capable performers.

We all know she has the powerhouse vocals to do a reasonably good interpretation of the late Ms. Franklin’s distinctive voice. But the Oscar-winning Hudson has also proved she’s got the acting chops to do more than just sing like the “Queen of Soul”.

Plus, you’ve likely heard the story that before her death, Franklin – who was involved in the development in the new biopic “Respect” film about her life – personally selected J.Hud (as she’s affectionately known) to portray her.

The film follows the rise of Franklin’s career – from a child singing in her father’s church choir to her international superstardom – and details a period up to the end of the 1970s when the music icon faced many challenges finding her voice.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian