Talk to Me (2007)

This Movie Is About the true story of Petey Greene (Don Cheadle) who is a ex-con turned popular radio personality during the 1960s and the anti-war movement. He wants to be a DJ on the air for as long as he remembers but never knew why. All he knew was that he wanted to be on the air spinning the tunes. The only problem being an ex-con is that no one will give you a shot no matter how much you want it or how talented you are. That is, until Petey met Dewey Hughes (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who works for a radio station that needs a total remake on their morning show. So it's a match made in heaven as Petey takes this station to the very top. But when Petey gets to there, he realizes why he always wanted to be on the air, the reason for his being and how that will change his entire life.

You Should Watch This Movie Because: it's a very real movie. I mean, it's not real because it's a movie but it's real in the sense that it's a great representation of a small influencial figure in American history. It starts out fun and light and comedic in tone but as it moves deeper and deeper into the American culture and the problems with war and race within the borders and around the neighborhood, it gets much darker very quickly and really makes the movie a message about politics and black culture in the United States. If you like that kind of stuff, movies like American History X then you will definitely like this movie although this movie doesn't have the curb stomp but it does have more swearing.

What's Hot Don Cheadle is really coming into his own now. Granted I have only seen him in the Ocean's trilogy but he was always someone that was behind the stars. But now, he has his shot and he delivers in spades. He captures the personality of Petey Greene to perfection. I don't think there has been a better representation of a historical figure since Capote. Anyway, the topic is very hot. Any time you throw Vietnam or the black movement in a movie, it'll generate interest. This movie throws them both in there at once!

What's Not Hot: The marketing... just kidding. This film isn't something that everyone would want to see or understand. I mean, I'm not black and I didn't live through that time in that area so I cannot relate to it as much as some other people. But that's okay. I think this movie does well in bringing in the mass audience while at the same time doing justice to those that actually witnessed that era first hand. It tries to do a bit too much by attempting to bring in the R&B life of American and mix it with the politics at the time. At times, it worked and at times, it was a little awkard. For some, that will be okay but for others, it might be a little confusing and not that interesting to watch.

Last Comments: Talk to Me can be looked at as one of those niche films which appeal greatly to a certain group group while other audiences may not be able to understand or care about what this movie is trying to do. From a pure cinematic experience, the style is great and accompanied by great music and sound which is something most movies don't do very well anymore. Furthermore, the story of one man going from nothing to having it all and then seeing the results of that is something we can all relate to because no matter how big you get you always had to come from some place lower. That basic human condition is something that makes this movie entertaining enough for people to go out and give it a look.

Breaking it Down:
Story: 7.0 (Michael Genet & Rick Famuyiwa)
Direction: 8.2 (Kasi Lemmons)
Acting: 9.0
Cinematography: 7.5
Music/Sound: 8.5

Entertainment Value: 7.5 (not an average)