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Talk to Me
By Cynthia Fuchs,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Cheadle shines in radio icon biopic. Not for kids.
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Talk to Me
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What's the Story?
TALK TO ME chronicles the career of controversial Washington, D.C., radio personality Petey Greene (Don Cheadle), an ex-convict who described himself as "a 'N'-word in America telling it like it is, telling the truth." From prison, Petey convinces station manager Dewey Hughes (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to hire him as a DJ. Petey arrives at the radio station determined to prove himself. Though Dewey's boss (Martin Sheen) has doubts, Petey draws listeners, uniting the community and becoming a local hero. At the same time, Petey's personal life suffers from his excessive use of alcohol and drug. Though Dewey encourages him to greater and greater visibility, Petey rejects going mainstream because he sees constraints in performing to audiences outside his community. At last he has a profound moment, seeing before him an expectant "room full of white folks" who want to see him make fun of his background. He makes a fateful decision that the film represents as a mixture of disappointment and resistance.
Is It Any Good?
Kasi Lemmons's smart, enthralling TALK TO ME shows that Greene was at once inspired and troubled, ambitious and self-destructive. Greene makes his difficult decision in a what is a fittingly complicated scene that showcases both Greene's and Cheadle's brilliance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the accuracy of biopics. Do you think movies based on true stories (particularly one person's life) generally stick to the facts? Why would filmmakers change details? How could you find out what really happened and what might have been exaggerated? Families can also discuss what Petey's commentary has in common with the later humor of comics like Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle. What function does envelope-pushing "shock" comedy serve in society?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 12, 2007
- On DVD or streaming: October 30, 2007
- Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor , Don Cheadle , Taraji P. Henson
- Director: Kasi Lemmons
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Black directors, Black actors, Female actors
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 118 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: pervasive language and some sexual content.
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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