The life of rock ‘n’ roll legend James Brown is the subject of the new biopic, Get On Up. The film boldly chronicles Brown’s phenomenal career, highlighted by his hit songs and electrifying signature dance moves. The movie also explores the Godfather of Soul’s turbulent personal life. We see Brown transition from a poverty-stricken young man to rock ‘n’ roll royalty. He pioneered a new sound and influenced a generation.

Starring as Brown is Chadwick Boseman, who played baseball icon Jackie Robinson in the film 42. The star-studded cast also features Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Nelsan Ellis, Jill Scott, Tika Sumpter, Lennie James and Dan Aykroyd.

Tate Taylor, best known for his Academy Award-winning hit The Help, directs the film. Taylor also co-wrote the screenplay with a team that included Steve Baigelman (Brother’s Keeper) and Edge of Tomorrow writers Jez Butterworth and John Butterworth.

Academy Award winner Brian Grazer is among the film’s producers. Appropriately, rock legend Mick Jagger is also credited as a producer.

As the recently released trailer demonstrates, what sets the movie apart from scores of other rags-to-riches musician biopics is the performance of Chadwick Boseman, who brings an energy and dynamic presence to the role, comparable to Brown’s persona.

Get on Up opens in theaters nationwide Aug. 1, 2014.