This crowd-pleasing biopic suffers from a lack of depth and insight into the controversial 60's D.C. radio personality and ex-convict Petey Greene but nonetheless remains entertaining, humorous and oh-so-slightly provocative. The cliché-riddled script usually does not do justice for the material available, too often merely coming across as the African-American's "Private Parts" when it should be feeling like so much more. There also seems to be some problems with the pace, as the focus shifts too quickly from one extreme to another, finally focusing on the partnership of this radio DJ to his manager, and betraying the biographical premise of the film.
Thankfully, much of this lackluster script is elevated to near-resonant levels (and complimented by some authentic production) due to the fine casting of Talk to Me's dual leads. The always likable Don Cheadle gets to flex some of that neglected character acting in a role that does veer slightly into caricature at times but always remains grounded due to Cheadle's humble and sociable nature. The treat though is underrated Chiwetel Ejiofor, here given almost as much screen time as Cheadle. Subtly strong, his performance feels like one of the only nuanced roles in a cast littered with overacting. His character's contrast and chemistry with Petey Greene gave the film some much needed dramatic weight and emotional substance, as well as offering some intelligent perspective on Black assimilation in White America.
This film could have been much more powerful, relative, and gripping, but instead opted to go for compelling fluff. It always seems that some of the most transcendent, captivating motion pictures end up being relatively obscure and unseen ones, so I suppose it was appropriate to give this self-claimed man of the people, a movie for the people.
Thankfully, much of this lackluster script is elevated to near-resonant levels (and complimented by some authentic production) due to the fine casting of Talk to Me's dual leads. The always likable Don Cheadle gets to flex some of that neglected character acting in a role that does veer slightly into caricature at times but always remains grounded due to Cheadle's humble and sociable nature. The treat though is underrated Chiwetel Ejiofor, here given almost as much screen time as Cheadle. Subtly strong, his performance feels like one of the only nuanced roles in a cast littered with overacting. His character's contrast and chemistry with Petey Greene gave the film some much needed dramatic weight and emotional substance, as well as offering some intelligent perspective on Black assimilation in White America.
This film could have been much more powerful, relative, and gripping, but instead opted to go for compelling fluff. It always seems that some of the most transcendent, captivating motion pictures end up being relatively obscure and unseen ones, so I suppose it was appropriate to give this self-claimed man of the people, a movie for the people.