The film contains a number of fictionalized characters and scenarios that ring false... but the extended musical numbers by Reinhardt's Quintette du Hot Club de France are wonderful.

A more honest script might've supported Reda Kateb's laid-back, medium-effective portrayal of Reinhardt more fully. As is, he's depicted as an artist man floating through his awful times, living for the music.

"Django" will leave fans of the legend merely eager to return to their beloved recordings and let their ears take in the greatness.

We've been here. We've done this. And I'm sure the memory of Django Reinhardt deserved better than this.