Miss Sharon Jones!

Greetings again from the darkness. Being described as "the female James Brown" is a double-edged sword. On one side, the talent and stage presence must be obvious. On the other side, the burden of expectations that can never be eclipsed is always present. Soul/Funk/R&B singer Sharon Jones doesn't much care about any of that … and in this documentary we witness both her strength in life and her powerhouse performances on stage.

Filmmaker Barbara Kopple is a two time Oscar winner (Harlan County USA, 1976 and American Dream, 1990) and here she presents not so much a music or concert documentary, as an intimate look at how a person can be inspired and driven by music to fight through life's challenges – and even cancer. In 2013, Miss Jones was diagnosed and much of the film follows her through head-shaving, chemotherapy and the battle to regain her voice and strength.

Born in North Augusta, South Carolina, Sharon was raised in Brooklyn. Her background was anything but privileged, and as an adult she spent years working as a Corrections Officer at Rikers Island, while continuing to sing in her spare time. A record producer once told her she was 'too black, too fat, too short' to make it, but she just kept singing … releasing her first album at age 40.

Sharon's spirit and energy are the core of the story here as even after her cancer diagnosis, she carried the pressure of needing to get back to singing and performing so that her band members in The Dap-Kings could earn a living and feed their families.

Her NYC comeback is impressive and life-affirming, but the highlights are clips of her earlier stage performances … and the most incredible in-church performance you are likely to ever witness. In 2014, she won her first Grammy for "Give the People What They Want", and Ms. Kopple's film shines a spotlight on an incredible talent and spirited lady who deserves much more than to have a cult following and be "underappreciated". Perhaps the film will open some eyes, ears and hearts.

At first, it's difficult to figure out what exactly Miss Sharon Jones is. We're told right away that in spite of adversity she has built a solid career for herself, so at first it seems like the movie will be about that. But once we get past seeing her sing a little, we learn she is fighting cancer, and it becomes clear after a bit that this will be the focus of the movie. It's an odd, unfocused start to what becomes, over time, an interesting portrayal of an interesting woman.

We never really do learn much about how Jones built her career; just bits and pieces of that story pop up. But we do see her positive attitude and her hard-working spirit, and we see the intense loyalty of those around her. We also see how devastating it is for a band when its leader goes out of commission.

The movie has some wonderful moments, such as Jones singing in a southern church or the way she moves from backstage trepidation to overpowering, joyous life on stage. But the movie also feels like an odd animal - not quite storytelling, not quite cinema verite - that makes it feel like you really needed to go into the movie knowing more about Jones than I did (I saw the movie because my girlfriend is a huge fan, and was, in fact, at the comeback concert near the end of the movie).

Still, overall I did enjoy this.

I have to admit that I am biased. I saw her several times and once got to meet her in a way I'll never forget. What I saw on stage was the same person off stage. An incredible human being with a god given talent she never disrespected.

This film only shows a glimpse of who she was and in the throes of a cancer even. Not the best light. However I appreciated the way the documentary presented Sharon. Too often we see an artist shown at their worse or only their phony side but here we get a glimpse of a real person and the passion she had for her music and fans.

A true legend as great an artist as any of the other American Soul and R&B performers. I had always hoped to see her again. Gone too soon but not forgotten. See this movie to see a true great talent show her human side.

Two time Oscar Winner Director Barbara Kopple (Best Documentary Feature 1991 "American Dream" and 1977 "Harlan County, U.S.A.") introduces the viewer to the amazing singer/performer Miss Sharon Jones. Compared regularly to the stage presence of James Brown, Miss Jones is a powerful soul singer who fronts her band the Dap-Kings. Only recently recognized with a Grammy Nomination "Give the People What They Want," Jones has been on the music scene (since the 1990's) building a career and following that many may not know of. To correct this oversight, Kopple does an excellent job introducing the music audience to Miss Jones, taking us back to here early days with the Dap-Kings to and through her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. While chronically her quiet raise to fame, "Miss Sharon Jones" also takes the audience into the world of responsibility she must carry as the lead singer of the Dap-Kings. It is her presence and voice that not only leads the band together, but she understand she is also responsible for putting money on the table for her fellow bandmates and family. This pressure to perform, while undergoing chemotherapy, is heart breaking and only a struggle a strong individual like Miss Jones can endure. This film is entertaining, enlightening, heart-breaking and full of terrific music that has long been overlooked. "Miss Sharon Jones" is documentary music film making at it's best. I went right out and purchased her Grammy Nominated Best R&B Album.

Massive respect to the folks involved in making this wonderful film We are selflessly afforded an inside look at the strength and courage of this dynamic,inspirational woman's life. I feel lucky to have seen Sharon and the Dap kings many times and this film just reinforces her legacy and legend. Having been around several cancer afflicted people in my family this documentary hits home for me on multiple levels. This inside look at the Boldest Soul Sister is real,fearless,poignant,hopeful and gracious. Thankfully someone realized that Sharon is a national treasure and a portion of her life needed to be documented. What an incredible gift she had! Sharon made the world a better place. Her infectious high energy,incredible one of a kind voice and legendary stage presence are laid bare for all to see. This is the real thing,and it is something we will not see the likes of any time soon. GENUINE Rest in Paradise Sharon ,we love you and miss you already. Amen Sister.