Fruitvale Station

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is Fruitvale Station.

Written & Directed by Ryan Coogler.

Review #225

MPAA Rating: Rated R for some violence, language throughout and some drug use.

Run Time: 85 min

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Cast

Michael B. Jordan ... Oscar Grant

Melonie Diaz ... Sophina  

Octavia Spencer ... Wanda  

Kevin Durand ... Officer Caruso  

Chad Michael Murray ... Officer Ingram 

Ahna O'Reilly ... Katie

Ariana Neal ... Tatiana 

Coming off the heels of the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case. The Weinstein Company in a genius coincidence (or maybe not) nationally released Fruitvale Station. I honestly don't remember that much about what happened with exception to how it ended.

It was a tragic story and the film doesn't soften the blow which is both a good thing and a GREAT thing.

Plot

The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008. 

Fruitvale Station was the rage at Sundance. It's common for a film be the top dog at festivals but sometimes that film doesn't effectively transition to the national stage. This one should and it's because of one person.

Michael B. Jordan.

He is unquestionably the BEST element of this film. I have no idea what Oscar Grant was like before he was shot so I am taking Jordan's performance on faith that it's an accurate portrayal. With that being said, Jordan does an AMAZING job giving Grant heart. This kid is a tortured soul, dealing with the demons of being a father, a boyfriend and a son. All while trying to escape the inescapable shadow cast over him by being an ex con. Director Ryan Coogler does something with Fruitvale Station that feels fresh with a film of this subject matter.

He gives you both sides of Grant's story.

Grant's death was an avoidable tragedy but the fact remains that he was not a saint. He served time and had a very violent temper. Those parts of his life were undoubtedly the catalyst that led to his too soon departure from the world. Fruitvale Station does not dismiss that. Coogler and Jordan make a concerted effort to give us Oscar's life and his final days with as much accuracy as humanly possible. That means showing us Grant's Jekyll and Hyde. This was vital to the integrity and credibility of the film. The more weight put behind Oscar's good and bad side, the stronger your feelings for him become when the fateful moment happens.

This is ONLY possible because of Jordan.

He's been acting since 1999 but his breakout role was playing Wallace in Season 4 of HBO's The Wire pictured above. His performance during that season was mesmerizing which is saying a LOT because Season 4 was the BEST season of The Wire's run and it was PACKED with standout stories and performances. The ironic thing about Jordan playing Wallace and Grant is that their characters are tangentially linked. Their stories contain similar DNA that frighteningly and sadly come to the same conclusion.

Jordan has gone on to have other noticeable roles but his performance here is by far his GREATEST and in my opinion Oscar worthy.

Which begs the question. Why did Harvey Weinstein release this film so early? I realize that mentioned up top that the timing is right when you factor in what's going on in Florida and around the country right now. However, it's clear that the Weinstein company are planning to make an Oscar push for this film. Releasing it in late July is a big time gamble. Potential Oscar films tend to get released after the summer. After all the kids have had their fill of capes and cartoons, the studios turn their attention to the mommy's and daddy's of the world that are starving for deeper forms of entertainment.

I really hope that Fruitvale Station doesn't suffer because of an unforeseen factor created by the calendar.

Fruitvale Station is a MUST see. It's deep, emotional, thought provoking and most importantly eye opening. The film forces you to come to the realization that passing judgement on people based on their past is counterproductive and irresponsible. It also shows you the true and harsh reality that comeback stories don't always end happily because of the nature of people.

Do yourselves a favor and SEE THIS MOVIE!

On the 5 star scale. Fruitvale Station gets the honor of receiving the first 5 star score of the year. With a resounding "Worth Every Penny!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"