Studio: The Weinstein Company
Writer / Director: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz
Logline: The true story of Oscar, a 22 y/o Bay Area resident, who crosses path with friends, enemies, family and strangers on the last day of 2008.
Based on a true story, the movie is a snapshot of a day in
the life of Oscar Grant (JORDAN), as he interacts with family and friends before
being shot and killed by a transit cop.
Admittedly, there are a few heavy-handed moments, in which first-time writer
/ director, COOGLER attempts to evoke sympathy for Grant. Luckily, Jordan as Grant is more charismatic than
saccharine, so these scenes play…for the most part. At the climax of the movie, Coogler infuses the
cell phone video footage used to capture Oscar’s death, giving the film a visceral
intensity that stays with you after the title cards roll. There
are a few upbeat moments throughout the film, namely watching Oscar, his friends
and his girl Sophina (DIAZ) bring in NYE on a train. But, overall this is an emotionally charged
character piece that asks you to look at the actual footage of Oscar’s death
and decide for yourself if a crime occurred.
I would highly recommend seeing this movie in the theaters
if you like docu-dramas / inner-city youth interest stories / character-driven
movies or if you just want to support an independent film.
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