07-08-08 Talk to Me (2007)

Seen: July 28th, 2007
Format: Theater
Rating: 8

The first thing that I'll admit here is that I went to see this movie because of Don Cheadle. He's one of my favorite actors and I'll usually go to a film just to see his work. As a bonus, the story looked interesting, and the period was appealing.

I got more than I bargained for.

Before I start heaping praise, there's one thing to consider. At it's heart, the story isn't really that interesting. While Petey Green was definitely a force, the whole man chases his dream, overcomes adversity, and especially his detractors, and realizes his destiny is hardly new ground. This is a bio-pic and though Petey was an interesting personality, this film is really more a series of stops than an incredible journey.

Perhaps this is the point. While what Petey did, while different, wasn't that incredible, the impact he had was. In the epilogue, we're told that more people attended Petey's funeral than any other non-elected person in the history of Washington, DC. People loved the man, not because he was perfect or remotely close. They loved him because they trusted him and they trusted him because he acted as if they mattered and he told them his truth. Not an absolute Truth, but the truth according to Petey Green, since that's all he knew.

Despite a story that's a bit weak, the script here is great. It moves exceptionally well. Bio-pics can get easily bogged down during character exposition. This script does an excellent job avoiding that while still showing us what we need to know about the characters. The dialogue is excellent. It's often snappy, quick and funny, again telling us about the characters, and when it does slow down to become serious, it hold our attention.

The acting is superb all the way around. Cheadle slides deftly into his role. As I see more of his film, it becomes more difficult for me to see the role and not the actor, but he really delivers here. Chiwetel Ejiofor is also superb. While I don't think quite has Cheadle's range (yet), he nails to part squarely. Taraji P. Henson is amazing here. Perhaps it's the contrast between this character and those she played in Hustle and Flow and even Smokin' Aces that's so incredible. She's spot on here. Vernell is an important foil to Petey and her performance is strong and never quite goes over the top, though she tries.

The period is rendered exceptionally well. Production, Set and Costume design all come together in a gorgeous rendition of the time. It gives the film a solid foundation, drawing us into the piece by making us believe the action is taking place in the 60's.

See this one. If not for the acting or the design or the script, see it to learn how a man made a difference in a troubled time. Maybe we can all learn something from Petey.

The Good: Acting and Design

The Bad: Alcoholism

The Ugly: Losing your leader