Talk to Me

Watch Talk to Me

  • R
  • 2007
  • 1 hr 58 min
  • 7.3  (10,197)
  • 69

Talk to Me is a 2007 biographical drama film directed by Kasi Lemmons, starring Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Bruce McFee. The film follows the life of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr., an ex-convict turned talk show host who becomes a cultural icon in 1960s Washington, D.C. The film opens with Petey (Cheadle) being released from prison after serving time for armed robbery. He moves in with his childhood friend, Dewey Hughes (Ejiofor), who is now a program director at a local radio station. Petey quickly becomes fascinated with radio and begins working as a janitor at the station in exchange for airtime. He impresses Dewey with his natural ability to connect with people and entertain audiences, and soon lands his own talk show.

Petey's show, called "The Petey Greene Show," is a hit with the urban community of D.C. He is outspoken, charismatic, and unapologetically honest about issues affecting African Americans, such as police brutality and racial inequality. His popularity grows, and he becomes a voice for the people who are often ignored by mainstream media.

As Petey's career takes off, so does his personal life. He begins dating Vernell (Taraji P. Henson), a woman he met while in prison, and becomes a father to her son. He also struggles with drug addiction and his newfound fame, often clashing with Dewey over the direction of his show.

Meanwhile, D.C. is going through its own changes. The film takes place during the Civil Rights Movement, and Petey becomes involved in various protests and rallies. He uses his platform to bring attention to important issues facing the African American community, and becomes a symbol of hope and empowerment.

However, Petey's success is not without its challenges. He faces backlash from some members of the community who feel he is too controversial or not radical enough. His relationship with Dewey becomes strained as the two clash over Petey's drug use and his desire to take the show in a different direction.

Throughout the film, Cheadle gives a powerful performance as Petey, capturing both his charisma and vulnerability. Ejiofor is equally captivating as Dewey, providing a contrast to Petey's larger-than-life personality. The supporting cast, including Henson, McFee, and Martin Sheen, also deliver strong performances.

Talk to Me is a compelling film that explores the life of a man who used his voice and platform to make a difference. It manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, shedding light on a period in history that is often overshadowed by other events. The film's themes of community, identity, and social justice are as relevant today as they were during the 1960s, making it a must-see for anyone interested in American history and culture.

Talk to Me is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 69.

Talk to Me
Description
Where to Watch Talk to Me
Talk to Me is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Starz, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Talk to Me for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 58 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (10,197)
  • Metascore
    69