Viewed in
2008
Premise
A biography on Petey Greene, an ex-convict who became a disc jockey in Washington D.C. circa 1960's.
Who should watch
Don Cheadle fans. Those who enjoy great acting.
Thoughts
This film sizzles from the acting and the African-American story from the 1960's.
I wanted to watch this film because of the great Don Cheadle and ended up discovering Chiwetel Ejiofor. The acting between them was phenomenal, as the story of DJ and manager unfolds.
Normally, I hate it when movies change tones in the middle. In this film, there was plenty of laughs in the first half as Petey Greene shocks radio land, and plenty of drama in the second half as Green and his manager begin a tug-of-war over his career. However, I did not feel jerked around. From the outset, I could sense this was a drama about a funny, brutally-honest man.
There was a absolutely emotional moment when the characters learn about Martin Luther King's assassination. The sadness and anger not only reflected the characters, but the city as well. The film makers did a great job of illustrating Greene's finest moments on air.
I recommend this for Cheadle fans and those who like a story with real black characters.
What I would change
The story spans over 20 years, and no gray hair on the characters?
