Talk to Me (2007)

Super Fly AM

In this month's DVD Dump Bin, Phantom makes up for the whopping $7.50 spent on last month's feature by spending $3 on Talk to Me.  Since the budget is normally $5 per month, this does leave a remainder of $0.50.  Phantom promptly dug it out of the store's display couch and returned it to the BTF petty cash fund.

Reviewed by James Ryder

Billed as an ensemble radio dramady, Talk to Me turns out to be not exactly about radio or have too much comedy.  In fact, it becomes quickly apparent that Talk to Me doesn't know what kind of film it is.  Is it the tale about a flamboyant ex-con DJ who gains popularity by "telling it like it is?"  Or is it the story about how an ex-con uses the radio to discuss issues from a Black point of view in the turbulent 1960s?  Perhaps it's the heartfelt drama about how radio program director Dewey Hughes (Chiwetel Ejiofor) attempts to fill the void left by his brother by helping out a similar ex-con DJ.  Maybe it could be a rise and fall epic about an ex-con who conquers radio, cable TV and stand up comedy, only to be plagued by concerns over artistic integrity, womanizing and alcoholism.