Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94% (Critics) / 90% (Audience)
Directed By: Ryan Coogler
Written By: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Chad Michael Murray and Octavia Spencer
Studio: The Weinstein Company

Synopsis:The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008.The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008. – (Source)

The Good:
Michael B. Jordan is a bona fide star…I predicted he would become one after his turn in CHRONICLE but with his role as Oscar Grant in this film he has established himself as a legit Hollywood leading man. It is on his shoulders that the bulk of the heavy lifting needs to be done and in conjunction with the script and direction of Ryan Cooler, Jordan creates a three-dimensional character that i shown to be flawed like all of us but also charming, endearing and someone you want to root for. That is the strength of FRUITVALE STATION, that despite knowing how it ends you somehow still find yourself hoping that things will turn out differently just because you begin to care about Oscar so much due to Jordan’s performance. And the emotional impact that this film has on audiences cannot be discounted because if the theater I was in is any indication there were not many dry eyes by the end of this movie across the country.

The Bad:
There were two scenes (one involving a dog the other a bag of marijuana) in this film that seemed very contrived and downright hackneyed. They were so outside of the realistic vibe of the rest of the film that I was totally distracted by them and found myself taken out of the world of the film.

The Ugly
The fact that this film was based on true events is just about the ugliest thing ever.

Final Verdict: A powerful, emotional and compelling true life story that serves to shine a further light on a situation that is sadly very timely but also serves as a break out moment for star Michael B. Jordan and for director Ryan Coogler. Prepare to be gut punched by the end of this film regardless of how much you brace yourself for the events that occur at the end.

Grade: B+