Talk to Me (2007)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jim H

  
  A morning talk show host mobilizes a network of listeners during the Civil Rights era. The first act of this film sets up themes of negotiating "blackness," and set as it is during the Civil Rights era, this is an interesting question, pitting the executive against the… More
  A morning talk show host mobilizes a network of listeners during the Civil Rights era. The first act of this film sets up themes of negotiating "blackness," and set as it is during the Civil Rights era, this is an interesting question, pitting the executive against the ex-con. But the plot eventually degrades into thematically irrelevant and unfocused interpersonal dynamics that make the film as a whole more like <i>My Week with Marilyn</i> than <i>Malcolm X</i>, as Dewey Hughes, the radio executive, must keep Petey Greene, the host, from sabotaging both their careers. The performances by Don Cheadle, whose antics are barely on the right side of believability, and Chiwetel Ejiofor are very good. I especially like Ejiofor whose reserve and intensity are characteristic of his fine body of work. Overall, though the film has promise at the beginning, this biopic ultimately doesn't live up to expectations; it's just good enough to make me wish it were better.

• Jason R

  
  Another feather in Mr. Cheadle's cap. Super-fun movie with a solid dose of history. Always nice to see a well-done true-story.

• El Hombre I

  
  Along with Don Cheadle, there are many good performances in Talk to Me, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Taraji P. Henson (who could be hilarious), Cedric the Entertainer and Vondie Curtis Hall. Martin Sheen could have phoned in his part as the one-dimensional "irate then calm"… More
  Along with Don Cheadle, there are many good performances in Talk to Me, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Taraji P. Henson (who could be hilarious), Cedric the Entertainer and Vondie Curtis Hall. Martin Sheen could have phoned in his part as the one-dimensional "irate then calm" boss. Greene's story is an affecting one in that he was another person who rose from a criminal youth to prison, but had a talent with words on the air. Many people are afraid of the microphone, but not Petey. Unfortunately, out of that element, Petey fell as fast as he rose. Very entertaining not-too-heavy drama with a solid soundtrack. <a href="http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/?action=view¤t=talk_to_me_don_cheadle.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/talk_to_me_don_cheadle.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

• paul s

  
  as biography movies go, this is about middle of the pack. There are some nice moments, the reaction to the King riots, and some of the outragiousness of the girlfriend, but I felt that some of the low points of his life were glossed over. In many respects the film made it appear… More
  as biography movies go, this is about middle of the pack. There are some nice moments, the reaction to the King riots, and some of the outragiousness of the girlfriend, but I felt that some of the low points of his life were glossed over. In many respects the film made it appear that Petey was a bit player in his own life, which contradicts the ambition and drive that were evident in the early prison scenes and his determination to land a radio gig. I guess that was all he was really after, so once he achieved that he simply took a back seat to other peoples plans. Have to mention that Cedric The Entertainer was perfectly cast as the late night "nighthawk" soul man and love machine. After fighting with Petey earlier, his embrace after Petey emplores the citizens to stop rioting was hearfelt and sincere, carrying all the emotion while still having the little hesitation that showed his embarassment for the earlier fight, and probably realizing that there were issues that far outweighed his petty jelousy.

• danny d

  
  this was a great movie. the story of petey green is portrayed with raw realism and the best part of this film was the performances of every member of the cast. an incredible ensemble led by don cheadle with easily one of the two or three best performances of 2007. im shocked… More
  this was a great movie. the story of petey green is portrayed with raw realism and the best part of this film was the performances of every member of the cast. an incredible ensemble led by don cheadle with easily one of the two or three best performances of 2007. im shocked cheadle isnt getting more hype for this role, he was masterful. good flick.

• Keysha H

  
  Don Cheadle gave an Oscar worthy performance in this true story. Chiwetel Ejofor also did an amazing piece of work. This film is both hilarious and poignant.

• Aaron N

  
  Sonderling: You got to tone it down Petey, the FCC is all over my rear. Petey Greene: Well no offense, but the FCC can kiss my ass. Don Cheadle stars as convict turn DJ Petey Greene in a film going over Petey's career during the 60s and 70s. This film goes from a somewhat… More
  Sonderling: You got to tone it down Petey, the FCC is all over my rear. Petey Greene: Well no offense, but the FCC can kiss my ass. Don Cheadle stars as convict turn DJ Petey Greene in a film going over Petey's career during the 60s and 70s. This film goes from a somewhat sitcomy approach into a dramatic biography about how one man always tried to stay true to himself. Right on side of Petey is Chiwetel Ejiofor as Dewey Hughes, a man who respects how brave Petey is to talk like he does. The highlights of the movie revolve around Cheadle on the air as Petey. Him as Petey in general is great to watch. We are not short on other actors either. I have been a fan of Ejiofor, and am glad to see him in all of these different roles. Cedric the Entertainer, Martin Sheen, Mike Epps, and Taraji P. Henson of Hustle and Flow round out the cast, providing good support. The movie is also foul. The r rating provides for a lot of language to come out of Petey's mouth, all of which helping him to keep it real. The movie looks and sounds great. Complete with hair and fashions of the time along with a great R&B soundtrack. My gripe with the movie concerns its somewhat uneven pacing and its somewhat unorganized approach in establishing a time frame. We are given only two updates as to what year it is, with events occurring in between that make you feel somewhat lost when it comes to key moments. Still, this is a well acted film, with a good soundtrack, some good laughs, and some dramatic punch. Petey Greene: I'll tell it to the hot, I'll tell it to the cold. I'll tell it to the young, I'll tell it to the old. I don't want no laughin', I don't want no cryin', and most of all, no signifyin'. This is Petey Greene's Washington.

• Mark A

  
  Pulls no punches in showing a unique American voice from the turbulent late sixties, early seventies. Petey Greene spoke his mind and offended a generation of white listeners, but spoke truth to his audience, the African Americans who were beginning to make their voices heard all over… More
  Pulls no punches in showing a unique American voice from the turbulent late sixties, early seventies. Petey Greene spoke his mind and offended a generation of white listeners, but spoke truth to his audience, the African Americans who were beginning to make their voices heard all over our land. Don Cheadle is a charter member of the pantheon of actors whose movies are not only entertaining, but are also important. The supporting cast is excellent. I especially found Taraji Henson, as Vernelle, a joy to watch. The bigger her afro got, the more sass she put into her character's persona. She radiates on-screen. Chiwetel Elijofor was perfect as the button-down program manager, Dewey Hughes. Theirs was a symbiotic relationship. Petey said what Dewey was afraid to say and Dewey did what Petey was afraid to do. Henson sparkled as the woman who stood by Petey and brought peace and harmony back to their relationship after it was broken by Dewey pushing Petey to go where he was not ready or willing to go. I waffled between giving it four or five stars. It deserves better than four. Definitely four and a half.

• Walter M

  
  [font=Century Gothic]"Talk to Me" starts in Washington, DC in 1966 where the new program director of radio station WOL, Dewey Hughes(Chiwetel Ejiofor), is tasked with getting people to listen to the struggling R & B station. On a visit to his brother in prison, he has a… More
  [font=Century Gothic]"Talk to Me" starts in Washington, DC in 1966 where the new program director of radio station WOL, Dewey Hughes(Chiwetel Ejiofor), is tasked with getting people to listen to the struggling R & B station. On a visit to his brother in prison, he has a chance meeting with Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene(Don Cheadle), a convict who is the popular prison DJ. After Petey is released, he applies for a job at WOL but is summarily dismissed. However, he does not go down easily as persistence wins out in the end...[/font] [font=Century Gothic]Even though there is the usual very fine work on display from Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor, "Talk to Me" is a biopic about a potentially interesting personality which misses the mark, making it more about Dewey than Petey, even goong so far as to give Dewey the best scene in the movie. Told through Dewey's eyes, the movie is more about a black success story than either racism or capturing the essence of a time and a place, namely Washington, DC, from 1966 onwards.(Only one brief moment at the beginning and the 1968 riots attest to this...) Without any social criticism to ground it, the movie eventually goes off the rails completely with a message that it is best to play it safe. Is that the kind of message you want to express?[/font]

• Mike N

  
  Alive, in Victoria Falls (Zambia side today). Returning Stateside on Tuesday. Bummed about the Rockies getting their rumps handed to them in the World Series. Happy I'm alive to experience the bummer, after the Zambezi. That river kicked my arse. See ya folks soon, and with pics!… More
  Alive, in Victoria Falls (Zambia side today). Returning Stateside on Tuesday. Bummed about the Rockies getting their rumps handed to them in the World Series. Happy I'm alive to experience the bummer, after the Zambezi. That river kicked my arse. See ya folks soon, and with pics! By the way, any good movies out lately? Saw the majority of both Away From Her and The Hoax on the flights out here, but not in their entirety (bleeping Air Canada's crappy in-flight electronics can be blamed for that). Both were excellent until being snapped away like a ghost line from my transfixed eyes. Bah.

• Fascade F

  
  A very interesting look on what happens when you try to take someone out of the waters they are used to being in...will they excel of will they fail? Superbly done.

• Lesley N

  
  Don Cheadle AND Chiwetel Ejiofor :-) :-). Yay. Good story and music too.

• Philip P

  
  Don Cheadle seems like the most likeable guy ever, even in his role as the self-centered cop in "Crash," he is able to exude a sense of care and knowledge and awareness of other peoples feelings. In Talk To Me, Cheadle's portrayal of Petey Greene could have made him… More
  Don Cheadle seems like the most likeable guy ever, even in his role as the self-centered cop in "Crash," he is able to exude a sense of care and knowledge and awareness of other peoples feelings. In Talk To Me, Cheadle's portrayal of Petey Greene could have made him look either ignorant or a brutally honest ex-con who brings a bit of controvesey to a safe radio station. Luckily it is the latter and with the movie safetly resting on Cheadles shoulders as well as a great supporting character played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, the movie is good fun to watch. Moving at times, funny throughout, smart and emotional- I really enjoyed it.

• Yinalí R

  
  Very truthful movie, beautiful.

• William G

  
  Cheadle, Chiwetel give first half a lively spark before biopic grows formulaic.

• Matthew L

  
  Don Cheadle has to be the most underestimated actors in todays Hollywood. This performance is no exception and I was surprised he was not nominated for it. He is brilliant as this fast talking true story of a DJ that comes from nowhere. It is an awesome performance like none of… More
  Don Cheadle has to be the most underestimated actors in todays Hollywood. This performance is no exception and I was surprised he was not nominated for it. He is brilliant as this fast talking true story of a DJ that comes from nowhere. It is an awesome performance like none of Cheadles others. Unreal storyline as well and one that you don't hear about too much. Fast moving and very interesting with some great and funny lines by Cheadle. Good performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor as well and Martin Sheen. What a great life Petey Greene represented and a great acting in this little known movie!

• Remi L

  
  I'm glad I saw this movie and learned a little bit more about broadcasting history And this film showcases how Taraji P. Henson is so underrated

• Chosen 7

  
  Good film with some great performances.

• Audrey L

  
  First off,Don Cheadle is one of the finest,most versatile actors today,and he carried this role off wonderfully. Talk to Me is the story of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr. whom I had never heard of until this film.An ex con,ex heroin addict,alcoholic man who became a DJ in… More
  First off,Don Cheadle is one of the finest,most versatile actors today,and he carried this role off wonderfully. Talk to Me is the story of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr. whom I had never heard of until this film.An ex con,ex heroin addict,alcoholic man who became a DJ in 1960's Washington. Outspoken,hilarious and politically aggressive,he ranted and raved about "black power" and the shackles of racism in America,while playing the beautiful soul and R and B music of the era. He captivated and won over his largely black fans by being totally honest,direct and "real" about the anger and dissent that was really taking root among the population in the turbulent 1960's. His shining moment comes just following the assassination of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Radio execs put him on air immediately to try and influence the grieving angry masses,as riots and violence broke out and the military was sent in to restore order.He eloquently and passionately pleaded with his listeners to not let their grief and outrage result in further carnage.He succeeded and carried on to inspire black pride and continued social activism over the airwaves and eventually on television. His charisma and political bluntness was inspirational while he fought his own inner demons (alcoholism) and became a reluctant hero.

• MJS M

  
  Being a radio DJ is one of the great fantasies I suspect most people have; being able to decide what people listen to and being able to tell the people what they may or may not want to hear. Being given a soapbox to communicate with an entire city is something that is extremely… More
  Being a radio DJ is one of the great fantasies I suspect most people have; being able to decide what people listen to and being able to tell the people what they may or may not want to hear. Being given a soapbox to communicate with an entire city is something that is extremely appealing. The truth of radio broadcasting is probably a lot less glamorous than this fantasy, after all most DJs don?t even pick the songs they play, but the idea is still worth fantasizing about. Talk to Me is about one of those radio personalities that keep this dream alive, in act he might be partly responsible for that dream?s existance. The film tells the true story of Ralph ?Petey? Green (Don Cheadle), a Washington D.C. DJ in the mid-sixties who was started his DJ career by playing records over the PA system of the prison he was sentenced to spend ten years of his life. After his parole Green went to Dewey Hughes (Chiwetel Ejiofor) the programming director at WOL, a fledgling D.C. R&B station, who was the brother of one of Green?s fellow inmates. Hughes is initially horrified at the notion of putting this profane convict on the air, but is eventually won over by Green?s streetwise personality and believes this personality will help regain the station?s African-American audience. E.G. Sonderling (Martin Sheen), the station?s owner, is eventually convinced to give Green a chance. Green quickly becomes a counter-culture sensation and must come to terms with his potential fame. Petey Green was the right man at the right time for WOL. Green first started broadcasting in 1966, America was divided and people were fed up with the establishment. This was the perfect environment for a rebel like Green. Green?s predecessor was a mild mannered and fake sounding and inoffensive personality whose show was clearly targeted at an older white demographic. Green had the audacity to simply say what was on his mind in his own flamboyant way. He was willing to get under people?s skin, he was the original shock-jock. Green would open his show by saying ?I'll tell it to the hot, I'll tell it to the cold. I'll tell it to the young, I'll tell it to the old. I don't want no laughin', I don't want no cryin', and most of all, no signifyin'. This is Petey Greene's Washington.? Green spoke to the black community at a time when it desperately needed an authentic voice. Green was broadcasting the night news broke of Martin Luther King?s assassination and helped calm the city with his broadcast and at a James Brown concert the next night. The main attraction here, by far, is the excellent performance by Don Cheadle. This may just be the best performance yet from this reliable character actor. The role allows him to have certain pathos while still being a very comical entity. Green is electrifying whenever he?s on the air and it?s easy to see why a city was captivated by his outrageous personality. Cheadle talks and acts much differently in the movie than he does in reality, the actor disappears into the role. The supporting cast is also solid, Ejiofor is solid as Green?s friend and business partner. Taraji P. Henson make a definite impression as Green?s long term girlfriend Vernell Watson and Martin Sheen is memorable as the stations older white owner. Cedric the Entertainer also makes as surprise addition to the ensemble as late night DJ "Nighthawk" Bob Terry. The movie?s problem however is that it works better as a comedic romp through the radio industry than it does as a biographical drama. The movie begins to fall apart in its third act when it falls back on traditional biopic patterns. Petey Green had a personality that is very fun to watch but his life simply didn?t have the same gravitas as figures like Malcolm X and Gandhi, and he really can?t support the kind of heavyweight importance the movie places on him in the third act. Green?s disinterest in fame and somewhat rocky friendship with Hughes isn?t an entirely awful plot development; it simply isn?t as interesting or dramatic as the type of material that was featured in biopics of people like the above mentioned figures or even of someone like Johnny Cash. After Green has achieved success as a DJ the movie runs out of places to go and suddenly tries to cover a good twenty years in a short amount of time even though the preceding movie seemed to cover a only two or three. Despite the film?s third act problems, the sheer joy of the movies first two thirds or so should not be understated. Every word that comes out of Petey Green?s mouth feels like a very memorable quote. This flamboyant figure is very fun to watch especially as portrayed by Don Cheadle who is giving Oscar caliber work here. Talk to Me is so good for so long and Cheadle is so great that the movie is still worth seeing despite its problems; just don?t expect it to stand up next to other, better, biopics.

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