Talk to Me Review

This movie is based on the life of Petey Greene, an ex-con who became a popular DJ in DC in the 60's. The title role is expertly portrayed by Don Cheadle, one of my favorite actors. Greene's only ambition in life is to get that DJ job and once he has achieved it, with the help of his loyal girlfriend, he is content. His show is an instant hit. Dewey Hughes, the station manager who becomes his mentor, sees a bigger future for Petey, getting him standup gigs and his own local TV show. The big time is more than Petey wants and he ultimately crashes and burns. By trying to get Greene to live out his dreams, Hughes in fact sabotages him.

Greene is probably best remembered for his broadcasts after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Riots broke out in DC and his words did much to get things back to normal. Had he done nothing else in his life, he could be considered a great man. His demons of drugs and alcohol caused him to die young. The love felt for him was clear when some 10,000 people came to his funeral.

The script is well written, clearly evoking the time it portrays. Cheadle is joined by an excellent cast, including Cedric the Entertainer and Martin Sheen. The costumes took me back to my college days, as did the Motown and other soul music. This should be one of the best soundtrack albums of the year.

Although there are some sad aspects to this story, it is told with a great deal of humor. Greene was a fun and funny guy and Cheadle plays him that way.

People who are looking for a window into the not that distant past will enjoy this film. You'll likelly be impressed, as I was, at how far we've come.