There is so much information that the depth of character is lost, hitting all the right notes but losing the flair of its subject.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 10, 2024

Draping the film in a nostalgic haze, [director Liesl] Tommy suggests a lack of clarity during these early years as Aretha stumbles toward freedom, driven by a stirring soundtrack of hit after hit, and powered by [Hudson's] performance.

| Jul 29, 2024

While Jennifer Hudson is an incredible performer, I was worried that this would feel too formulaic to be enjoyable. I came out blown away and incredibly emotionally moved...

| Original Score: B+ | Jul 19, 2023

Sadly, this particular example of a biopic does not find itself possessing an extraordinary execution to make it a singularly accomplished effort.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Jun 5, 2022

The portrait of the singer does not risk too much, tiptoes through the edges of her biography and conforms to a fairly conventional script that, none the less, has a good rhythm... [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 19, 2022

Yes, it’ll make you depressed about the life Franklin lived. But, it’ll also give you a more profound love for the Queen of Soul, who managed to shine above all of the horrors and create an enduring legacy that promotes hope and perseverance.

| May 13, 2022

It is Jennifer Hudson's treatment of Aretha Franklin's songs that sparkles here.

| Original Score: B | Mar 16, 2022

Told with love, featuring memorable performances and a rocking soundtrack, we came away feeling inspired and with a newfoundahemrespect for Ms. Franklin.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 13, 2022

Embodying a figure as formidable as Franklin is no easy task, but Hudson is equal to it. Her musical talents have been evident since her award-winning breakthrough in 2007s Dreamgirls, but to play such a legend takes a special kind of performance.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 3, 2022

The film doesnt stray too far from the standard collection of musician biopic clichs, but director Liesl Tommy clearly has a feel for the genre and the key scenes work like gangbusters.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 25, 2022

Watching Respect, the viewer can sense the production's overriding desire for Oscars.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Feb 12, 2022

There are the workings of a much stronger film in this, so one hopes that Respect won't be the final word on the subject, but in the interim, it gives Hudson a chance to portray her -- warts and all -- the way she wanted to be seen.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 14, 2022

...succeeds where many biopics have failed in capturing the human story behind the musical legend, with Hudson the happy centre of a lavish, sincere production....

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 13, 2022

The film touches upon the major moments of Franklin's life, but does not coalesce into a fulfilling narrative.

| Dec 17, 2021

This is not a bad film, but certainly it is the film we are left with having not been given a particularly good one.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Nov 28, 2021

It's an entertaining film with plenty of great music, but it unfolds in an expected and unsurprising manner.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Nov 13, 2021

All in all, Respect finds its heart when Jennifer Hudson channels the riveting artistry of the Queen of Soul. The actress reminds us how a great singer can shake our emotional foundation and lift the spirit.

| Nov 13, 2021

For all of the film's zig-zagging, the music plays the most memorable role. And nothing can take that away from Miss Franklin, who tried to live life on her terms, and was a force until the end.

| Original Score: B | Oct 23, 2021

Oscar winner Hudson brings the bombast, pathos and heavenly vocal chops in a winning powerhouse performance. It is a pity her star vehicle is hardly a showstopper and lacks soul.

| Oct 14, 2021

The film soars whenever the music takes over, as it does for large chunks of the action. But the backstage story is less exhilarating. Franklin had a life as big as her personality.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 13, 2021