This Sundance® award-winner follows the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan of TV’s FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS), a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who wakes up on New Year’s Eve, 2008, and decides to get a head start on his resolutions: being a better son to his mother (Octavia Spencer of THE HELP), being a better partner to his girlfriend, and being a better father to T, their beautiful 4-year-old daughter. He starts out well, but as the day goes on, realizes that change will not come easy. As Oscar crosses paths with friends, family, and strangers, we see that there is much more to him than meets the eye. But it is his final encounter of the day with police officers at the Fruitvale BART station that will shake the Bay Area to its very core, causing the entire nation to witness the story and tragic death of Oscar Grant.
Very good movie. Liked it a lot. Its very timely with all the recent incidents of Black men being killed by White cops in the US. The movie starts with the actual video of the shooting. From there even though you know how it ends the movie keeps you engrossed. The good thing with the movie is that it doesn’t show Oscar as a “innocent good guy”.
The movie is factual for the most part. Did not like the scene with the dog which was manipulative and fake. And there was no need for that created girl character from the grocery store who also ends up on the train and so instrumental in the actual incident.
Michael B. Jordan was excellent as Oscar, a flawed but human character. Melonie Diaz was very good as his girlfriend. Octavia Spencer was good as his mother. Ariana Neal was good as his daughter.
Highly Recommended
P.S. This was a comment I originally made in May 2015.
Tags: Octavia Spencer
