Nelsan Ellis

Get on Up 2014

On route to the stage, singer James Brown recalls a life with a turbulent childhood where music was his only constructive release for his passions. A chance demonstration of that in prison led to a new friend who helped get him out and into a musical career. With his fire and creative daring, Brown became a star who defiantly created new possibilities in show business both on and behind the stage in face of racism and conventional thinking. Along the way, James would also become a peacemaker who redefined and raised the African-American community's feeling of self-worth when it was needed most. However, those same domineering passions would lead James Brown alienating everyone around him as his appetites became ever more self-destructive. Only after he hit rock bottom with a serious mistake does Brown realize what he needs to do make his life as the Godfather of Soul truly worthwhile.

Category: Biography, Drama, Music

Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis

6.9 IMDB Rating 4,551 Views
The Express 2008

This biopic focuses on the relationship of Ernie Davis (1939-1963), a gifted African-American athlete, and his coach from 1958 to 1962 at Syracuse University, Ben Schwartzwalder (1909-1993). Schwartzwalder recruits Davis with the help of All-American running back, Jim Brown. The civil rights movement is gaining steam; Davis experiences prejudice on campus, in town, and on the field, sometimes from teammates. How he handles it and how he challenges Schwartzwalder to stand up for his players provide a counterpoint to several great seasons that lead first to a national championship and then to the Heismann Trophy.

Category: Biography, Drama, Sport

Stars: Rob Brown,Dennis Quaid,Darrin Dewitt Henson,Omar Benson Miller,Nelsan Ellis,Charles S. Dutton,Justin Martin,Justin Jones,Nicole Beharie,Aunjanue Ellis,Elizabeth Shivers,Clancy Brown,Danny McCarthy,Regina Hoyles,Chelcie Ross

7.3 IMDB Rating 4,807 Views