Fruitvale Station

There are films that are based on true stories, which we have seen a plethora of, and then there are films that are based on true stories, which are created in such painstakingly realistic tributaries that they just hit one right between the eyes. A couple of films, that come to mind, that fall into this category are Paul Haggis' "Crash" '06, and Paul Greengrass' "United 93". Now, to add to that hopefully growing list is, "Fruitvale Station".

This chronicles the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan), a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who wakes up on the morning of December 31, 2008 and feels something in the air. Not sure what it is, he takes it as a sign to get a head start on his resolutions: being a better son to his mother, Wanda (Octavia Spencer), whose birthday falls on New Year's Eve, being a better partner to his girlfriend, Sophina (Melonie Diaz), who he hasn't been completely honest with as of late, and being a better father to Tatiana (Ariana Neal), their beautiful four year-old daughter. Crossing paths with friends, family, and strangers, Oscar starts out well, but as the day goes on, he realizes that change is not going to come easy. His resolve takes a tragic turn, however, when BART officers shoot him in cold blood at the Fruitvale subway stop on New Year's Day. Oscar's life and tragic death would shake the Bay Area-- and the entire nation to its very core.

Others to round out the cast are Kevin Durand as Officer Caruso, Chad Michael Murray as Officer Ingram, Ahna O'reilly as Katie, Keenan Coogler as Cato, Trestin George as Brandon, Joey Oglesby as Cale, Michael James as Carlos, Marjorie Shears as Grandma Bonnie, and Destiny Ekwueme as Chantay.

This was directed and written with such painstakingly hard core realism by Ryan Coogler. Considering this is Coogler's first outing in the feature film realm, I really can't wait for his next project. As with the other aforementioned films, this film hits its audience right at its core. I usually do not pull the racial card, given a certain situation, but this was clearly racially motivated. A white guy hauls off and hits a black man. That guy runs, and two white officers basically end up plugging the black man, and the white guy who started the whole thing gets away scott free. Draw your own conclusions, but what else could it have been? Coogler gives us quite the expose of our system failing us as a people, and the fact that our system needs to be revamped.

This has Oscar nominations written all over it--possible best actor for Jordan and possible best supporting actress for Spencer. These two actors absolutely shined as son and mother. If you do go to see this, as I believe most people should for the incredible message, be warned that it is not an easy sit; a tough watch. But the fact it has such a great message for all, and it is so well written, directed and acted, these aspects will allow you to still go see it, because you know it would be the right thing to do.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                            Rated: R                             85mins.