Q85: A Musical Celebration for Quincy Jones Review

MovieWise Analysis

The Story: Q85: A Musical Celebration for Quincy Jones (2018) offers a fresh dive into the Music, Documentary, TV Movie genre. The plot follows a sequence where “Q85: A Musical Celebration for Quincy Jones,” is a star-studded evening that celebrates the life and legacy of the icon. In celebration of such a legendary figure, some of the biggest stars came to share in on the celebration. Performers such as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Brian McKnight, John Legend, Gloria Estefan, Fantasia, Charlie Wilson, Jennifer Hudson, Ne-Yo, Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor, Patti Austin, Yolanda Adams, Ledisi, and Cynthia Erivo all hit the stage to pay tribute to Quincy Jones by performing his classic works. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Danny Glover, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, LL Cool J, Rashida Jones, and Ludacris shared their personal stories of how Quincy has impacted them throughout the years. The special was taped in September at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Cinematic Style: The production design and direction elevate the core premise, moving beyond standard genre tropes. Defined by its unique tone—often described as a compelling cinematic journey—the film balances visual spectacle with character-driven moments.

The Experience: The thematic depth here is surprising for a Music, Documentary, TV Movie title. It explores the human condition through a lens that feels grounded despite the cinematic scale of the production.

The Verdict: The final result is a polished piece of entertainment. Whether you are here for the plot twists or the performances, it delivers a satisfying experience that lingers.