Too much of everything

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Pretty Good

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

It's May 1966. Dewey Hughes (Chiwetel Ejiofor) works programming at WOL-AM in Washington DC. During his visit with his brother in prison, he meets outrageous Petey Greene (Don Cheadle) who cajoles a promise to see him after he gets out. Petey gets out much sooner than expected. The station is losing ground to the competition but manager E.G. Sonderling (Martin Sheen) still won't let the street hustler Greene on the air. Dewey and Petey lock themselves in the booth and end up becoming the legendary media personality. Taraji P. Henson plays Petey's wild girlfriend Vernell Watson. Cedric the Entertainer plays another radio personality Nighthawk Bob Terry.It's a pretty straight biopic from Kasi Lemmons. I don't think Martin Sheen fits his character. He needs to be more straight laced and conservative. Cheadle and Ejiofor are terrific. Don Cheadle energizes the whole movie. It is without a doubt his movie and he owns it. Ejiofor is there every step of the way. He is just as powerful to counter Cheadle. Taraji P. Henson needs an honorable mention for her great work. The movie does fade in the last act as it loses the energy of Petey Greene. It may be a better option to follow Petey rather than Dewey.

Some may want to argue accuracy; just enjoy this biopic of Ralph "Petey" Greene. Greene(Don Cheadle)went from ex-con to outspoken iconic radio personality that gave hope and instilled pride in the black community of Washington, D.C. when turbulent times were taking its toll. Friend and producer Dewey Hughes(Chiwetel Ejiofor), who also reached radio iconic status, ran interference trying to keep distance between "Petey" and E.G. Sondering(Martin Sheen), owner of radio station WOL. It was the 1960's and "Petey" Greene brought "T-Town" to D.C. with his no-holds-barred directness expanding social consciousness between doses of some of the greatest soul music in the land. Great soundtrack featuring the likes of: Otis Redding, James Brown, Sam & Dave, Barbara Lewis, Clarance Carter, Booker T. & The M.G.s and The Chamber Brothers.Also in the cast: Mike Epps, J. Miles Dale, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson and Jeff Kassel. Kudos to director Kasi Lemmons.

Talk to Me strikes a reflective chord for much of it's 2 hours and especially towards it's end. It features a run through of the middle lives of 2 radio announcers in Washington DC. The clowning and camaraderie is on display early on, and surely the movie's best energy is during it's first 2/3 of the runtime. Towards the last 20 min or so there's a winding down that's noticeable. Nonetheless Cheadle and Ejiofor are sort of like a ying/yang type relationship as Petey Green and Dewey Hughes. The Cheadle character has been in trouble with the law and street smart, while Ejiofor's has worked hard while clean and also being street smart. This was an interesting sort of a bio/docu-drama outlining the two's friendship from early on spanning 2 decades around the Civil Rights era and later. Good acting amid some slower pacing worth the watch.

this is recommended generally towards mature family viewing and especially to males.women, as a specific decade class, are very exceptionally defined here, however it all resumes towards Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor ego fight and the human rights movement in America. this is a must see regardless of color or race not at least because is very thought full as much as entertaining.i am still getting around in getting used to Don Cheadle here. way different posture then in "hotel Rwanda" or "crash" and he just demonstrates his excellent mimic skills. the next already Denzel Washington . his expressions(both facial and body language), well expressed inner-thoughts within the dialogs to be delivered, and deep stares are giving the viewer very soul-full, sentimental and emotional intriguing thoughts, regardless if one , as individual, could or could NOT relate to the subject matter. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers exceptionally as well,for his carrier this will be a major feature to be remember as well.it is a pleasure to watch them "fight it out" while they gain a greater and balanced respect for each other.there are some comic relief moments, very familiar funny sort of speak.the movie never looses focus and secondary plots are flowing VERY natural in defining better even the characters not so relevant to the main story. this is a great example of how cinematography can create "new" while keeping the "old". this has a great replay value, definitely worth for collectors!