Review of Talk to Me (2007) by Brant J — 24 Mar 2009

For its first half or so, Talk to Me really works, largely thanks to a charismatic, fun performance by Cheadle that helps to belie the sense that we're teetering on the edge of pure biopic formula.

Sadly, that's exactly what happens; by the time the film hits its second hour, it's purely by-the-numbers, and becomes the worst thing a movie can be: just dull. Connecting these two halves is a section of film dealing with the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.

, a section of film that affected me deeply and soared emotionally in a way that the rest of the film leaves you completely unprepared for. It's a stunning segment, one that explores emotions honestly, and captures the times of the film magnificently, and it's a shame that the film never really lives up to that series of scenes.

In the end, it's a glimpse at a fascinating figure shoved into a standard Hollywood biopic. It introduced me to Petey Greene, and made me curious about him, so that's something, but it's a shame the film isn't as interesting as its subject.