Review of Fruitvale Station (2013) by Casual F — 06 Nov 2013

One of the absolute best movies I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Everything about this film is perfect: the acting (especially Michael B. Jordan), the writing and directing by first timer Ryan Coogler, the camera work, and the way that Coogler paints Oscar, not as a saint who never did anything wrong, but as a human being who messed up a lot. This film is in my top 5 films of all time, and I'll fight anyone who doesn't like this film! OK, not really, but I just love this film more than just about any other. It serves as a celebration of life, as the consensus says, but it also sends a message to the people that we need to love more.

A lot of people complain that the film isn't completely accurate, and that Coogler took and added stuff from and to Oscar's story. Counter argument: Nobody knows what Oscar did throughout the day, because a lot of it he was by himself, wandering the Bay Area, getting gas, getting rid of drugs, and trying to just change his life so he could be better for Sophina and Tatiana and his mother, Wanda. A life taken too soon because of an awful accident that should have never happened. Was it racial? I don't believe so. But BART needs to train its officers better if they can't tell a taser from a loaded gun.

Anyway, FRUITVALE STATION is the best film of 2013, bar none. It is always easy to watch, no. It is something that everybody should see, yes. If not for the message, than just to see a truly talented writer/director and a terrific cast at the top of their game.