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Taraji P. Henson plays Petey's girlfriend, big fro and all

Even so, the film—if it falls short of what it might have been—does provide a compelling portrait of a particularly tumultuous time in American history and how the media and entertainment of the day adapted to and helped foster the many changes that were going on.

If there's a primary theme to the movie, it's that in troubled times, dialogue and open discourse is essential. Petey Green, as so many great radio personalities have done over the decades of the medium's existence, provided a unifying voice and comfort to a people who needed it.

Throughout the film, Greene reminds people that he's "just a con," that we're all just cons, trying to be real but forcing ourselves to adapt to society's standards and to meet the cultural requirements for "progress" and "respectability." In some ways, Green must limit himself in order to make a difference (for one thing, he can't curse on air—something he loves to do). He must be open to change (ridding himself of drugs, for example) if he is to find his redemption, and here we find the film's most uplifting message: anyone, even ex-cons, can be used to do great things. It is something Christians should know better than most—that sometimes the most unlikely suspects are the most apt to change the world.

Talk About It

1. Petey Greene comes across as a crass, street-wise individual. Do you think his less-than-clean record and rough way of speaking undermines what he has to say?
2. What does this film say about redemption—about coming from bondage (literally) and ultimately achieving great things?
3. Do you think God can use people like Petey Greene to proclaim his message? How might these kinds of people be better or worse-suited than others to communicate important truths?

The Family Corner

Talk to Me is rated R for pervasive language and some sexual content. The language is absolutely pervasive, with the utterance of "f" words only outdone by cavalier uses of the "n" word. Even so, the language feels authentic, and if you can handle it, the film is probably worth seeing in spite of its crudity. Younger teens and children should not see it. There are important history and cultural lessons here for mature teenagers, but use discretion. Other than language, there are some scenes of sexuality, and some brief male nudity (comical). Over all, the film's offensive components fit and serve the story, and none of it feels exploitative or excessive.

Photos © Copyright Focus Features

© Brett McCracken subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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