Cadillac Records
Metascore
65 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
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  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    90
    The ensemble is stupendous--howlingly great--and the music goes deep.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: A.O. Scott
    90
    This movie is crowded and sprawling, and if it rambles sometimes, that's just fine. Like those big, boxy Caddies (and like Howlin’ Wolf, if he did say so himself), it's built for comfort, not for speed. It hums, it purrs and it roars.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    83
    It's an enjoyable ramble, with a feel for what made the early days of rock as wild as any that followed.
  4. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Gene Stout
    83
    The movie's biopic aspect is multiplied by the sheer number of players who made Chess the first family of Chicago blues, R&B and rock 'n' roll...That all of them were later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame attests to their enormous influence on popular music and culture.
  5. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    83
    The film suffers at times from biopic-itis – the narrative unfolds with the requisite heartbreak carefully apportioned – but it's always eye-catching.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. KevinP
    9
    This is definitely the best musical biopic of the year and I was satisfied.The acting was top notch from actors such as Jeffrey Wright,Beyonce,Columbus Short and Mos Def.The plot was not entirely correct but the music paid up for it.Out of all the actors,Beyonce showed the most emotion and was most in sync with the story so kudos to her.… Full Review »
  2. shannonb
    7
    This movie was better than I expected. I was expecting the same old story regarding the Motown era,but was thrilled by the content of the movie. Very good performances by the actors.… Full Review »
  3. JayH.
    7
    Great music and a fine performance from Beyonce Knowles helps lift this film up above average. The story is rather predictable though. Good effort on capturing the feel of the times. Well edited, good score.… Full Review »
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