The story of Petey Greene obviously has great entertainment and educational potential. However, I recently watched this movie and was left unsatisfied. Where this movie most differs from other great bio flicks such as Malcolm X, The Hurricane, Ali and Redemption (the story of Tookie Williams), is that its central figure does not appear to change or evolve in some way by the end of the story. He tries to change in order to appease his manager Dewey, but fails. He starts as a man for the truth (as he sees it) and ends up the same way. That may be commendable, but a man longing for the comfort of "the cave" does not make for a great story.
Also, this movie's superficial treatment left me with major unanswered questions about Petey Greene, whom I'd not heard of previously. The movie did not focus on Petey Greene enough, did not get into his head to expose why he thinks the way he does. By the end, I knew more about Dewey's motivation than about Petey's. The movie seemed to be more about how other people responded to Petey than about Petey himself.
The actors in the main roles all did an excellent job. Don Cheadle continues to show that he can superbly deliver whatever his role calls for. Chiwetel Ejiofor, portraying another brooding and strong but torn character, steps it up from American Gangster, and gives an excellent performance. Taraji Henson is simply stunning here, and Martin Sheen is one of the greats of our time. Mike Epps and Cedric the Entertainer were wasted here. I can see why they might want to be in on this project no matter how small the part. But, having these two extraordinary personalities present and giving them virtually no important lines struck me as a mistake.
Overall, a worthwhile flick despite the above criticisms.
Also, this movie's superficial treatment left me with major unanswered questions about Petey Greene, whom I'd not heard of previously. The movie did not focus on Petey Greene enough, did not get into his head to expose why he thinks the way he does. By the end, I knew more about Dewey's motivation than about Petey's. The movie seemed to be more about how other people responded to Petey than about Petey himself.
The actors in the main roles all did an excellent job. Don Cheadle continues to show that he can superbly deliver whatever his role calls for. Chiwetel Ejiofor, portraying another brooding and strong but torn character, steps it up from American Gangster, and gives an excellent performance. Taraji Henson is simply stunning here, and Martin Sheen is one of the greats of our time. Mike Epps and Cedric the Entertainer were wasted here. I can see why they might want to be in on this project no matter how small the part. But, having these two extraordinary personalities present and giving them virtually no important lines struck me as a mistake.
Overall, a worthwhile flick despite the above criticisms.