First look: ‘Get On Up’

What: “Get On Up”

Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis, Craig Robinson and Octavia Spencer

Writers: Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth

Director: Tate Taylor

The story: The life of James Brown (Boseman), from his impoverished roots to his status as the Godfather of Soul, is told in this biopic.

The buzz: Taylor and Boseman both have proven track records with historical dramas. “Get on Up” is Taylor’s follow-up to “The Help,” and it provides Boseman’s first leading role since portraying Jackie Robinson in “42.”

— CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE

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