2.5/4  Wake up Goddammit!
Don Cheadle once again plays his role well, as does Chiwetel Ejiofor. The first hour of this movie is very well done striking a nice balance between humor and revealing the life of the DJ Petey Greene. As great a role as Cheadle plays, I... (read full)

5/5 Five stars for P-town
  by M. Hudson (Yonkers, New York)
I tell it to the hot, I tell it to the cold. I tell it to the young and, I'll tell it to the old.... and I'll tell you this Talk to Me is a great film!!

This movie was phenomenal. Not knowing much of the background surrounding this film, I was pleasantly surprised with all the comedy laced throughout! What I found most memorable is the portrayal of the relationship/friendship/business partnership depicted between Petey Greene and Dewey Hughes. It is rare that you see such a strong and well-developed relationship between men. They chronicle the difficulties and challenges as well as the celebratory and great moments in a powerful and engaging way. Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor captured perfectly the dichotomy of Petey Greene and Dewey Hughes's relationship. They were truly the opposite of the other and yet one in the same. The performance of Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor is so compelling. I am not surprised by this because the caliber and capability of these fine actors has preceded them. The supporting cast I found wonderful as well from Blue Blazes (Martin Sheen) to Vernell Watson (Taraji P. Henson) to Nighthawk (Cedric the Entertainer). This film had great casting and great performances across the board.

This movie expertly captured what I have seen of the 60's and 70's in wardrobe and set design down to the little details. Did you see the key holder Dewey had when he locked Sunny Jim in his office? My mom had a similar one in black! That memory is from a child of the 80's. I love how everything blends into that period and is something that would fit. The director (Kasi Lemmons) and set designers did an exceptional job re-creating the riots that occurred after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. A city burning filled with violence that reflected the pain from the atrocity that took place. This piece of the film was very touching. The time period shift is also reflected in the appearance of the actors themselves. Vernell is a perfect example in just looking at the hairstyles alone. Her hair transforms from relaxed and styled in a beautiful up-do (mid 60's), to an Angie Davis-like afro perfectly coiffed (mid-late 60s), to outrageously huge (early-mid 70's) to permed waves (late 70's early 80's). And the threads follow the same beat, which is a wonderful progression to observe. The movement through time shifts flawlessly to the credit of the director, set and, wardrobe designers.

This movie has heart and a whole lot of SOUL!! I cannot forget the music that sets the tone of every scene in this film. The music helps evoke the spirit of the time and the people that are portrayed. This is an extremely well written, well performed, and well-directed film! I enjoyed this film immensely!


5/5 Talk To Me Feedback
  by M. Sims (MI)
I really liked this movie! Don Cheadle does a great portrayal of a radio announcer / disc jockey, that is certainly on top his game, and because it was based on a true story. Marcus



3/5 Mary the movie lover
  by got film?
I was expecting this movie to be a big-afro-wearin' 1960 fun time. Then reality hit with a whole lotta drama and civil rights issues; too heavy for a Saturday night. I guess the movie started out to be a very silly over-the-top flash back to the groovy 60s and took a sharp serious turn that I did not see coming. I don't think there's anything funny about what happened back then and I didn't care for the comedic start and the dead serious finish. Confused. Perhaps the movie-makers wanted to reel the audience in with all of the silly stuff and then bop 'em on the head with what really went down back in those groovy 1960s? I guess I'll watch it again and take it more seriously from the start. It's worth a look and possibly a second


5/5 Simply a great movie
  by E. Williams (St Pete, FL)
I have nothing negative to say about this movie. It was so funny, and didn't overstep it's bounds. I knew after the first half of the movie, which could be called the "funny half", that there would have to be some drama introduced. Almost no movie made in the last decade is just funny the whole way through, least of all one based upon such serious circumstances. I was nervous, thinking, oh lord, here we go, they're going to ruin this movie by overdramatizing everything, just like they always do. But: SURPRISE! They introduced drama that was believable, and compelling on a human level. They don't attempt to make Petey and Dewey out to be saints, thus keeping their characters authentic and real. No over-acting, great soundtrack, great sets and wardrobe, and a fantastic script. I cannot recommend this movie enough.

4/5 Don Cheadle is great
  by Dorothy M. Anderson (Center Line, Michigan)
I think I liked the first half of the movie better, but the acting was terrific.

If anything, you have to see it JUST for Don Cheadle's performance.
And his girlfriend is hilariously good in it, too.

Martin Sheen has a great part, too, and also the guy who played Dewey.

If you don't like the raw language, not recommended.