Selma (2014)

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

The movie is surprisingly subdued in its pacing, its characterizations, and its go-for-broke sensibilities.

No 20th century figure looms as large as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and no film could possibly encapsulate who he was and what he did over the course of his short but powerful lifetime. But in "Selma," director Ava DuVernay and writer Paul Webb find an ideal window of time through which to explore King's influence and not as a dreamer, but as a strategist. The film examines the chess moves that took place leading up to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a critical piece of legislation that removed many of the barriers keeping African-Americans away from the voting booth. In early 1965, King (David Oyelowo) arrives in Selma after being unable to convince President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) of making swift changes to protect the black right to vote. Knowing the only way he can make change is to double dow on peaceful protest and make more headlines in the news, he begins planning with members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and ultimately challenges Alabama Gov. George Wallace (Tim Roth), risking lives in order to get the federal government to act.Emotion layers every part of "Selma," but Webb's script has a definitive focus on tactics and explores the political maneuvering behind affecting actual change. Today, we regard the Civil Rights Movement and King's methods as one of the most effective efforts to enact social and political change and "Selma" shows just how calculated - not impulsive - those methods were.At the same time, the film suggests King was riddled with doubt. The man we know to be resolute if not stubborn in his will was keenly aware of the consequences for his fellow man. Oyelowo's best work as King comes in emulating his incredible oratory skills rather than the behind-the-scenes moments, but he's compelling nonetheless and captures both the strong leadership and humanity of this legendary figure.Still, the film operates best when it explores King as strategist and the dynamics on both sides of the board trying to plot their next move. The little character moments with King and, for example, his wife, Coretta (Carmen Ejogo) don't hold as much weight or attention. On the other hand, the way King interacts with others in the movement, like the father of a young protester killed by Selma police, show King's pastoral nature and bring deep humanity to the story. Those moments, when human consequences converge with the top view of change-making are when "Selma" shines most. The film just needs more of them. DuVernay also seems like a director best suited with that kind of material. The actors carry the brunt of conveying all the dialogue-heavy gamesmanship scenes for her, but she does best with moments like in the beginning when Oprah's Annie Cooper goes to the courthouse and tries registering to vote. That scene is a mere microcosm of what's discussed in the film, but it stands out because we can relate to it and feel for the character. The analytical side and the emotional side of "Selma" seem a bit at odds with each other through most of the film, but when they come together, they make for the kind of cinematic moments you want from a prestige picture like this. "Selma" is also pretty good when one side clearly overtakes the other, but admittedly it makes for a less cohesive finished product. Nevertheless, the film honors the pivotal piece of history it portrays and the key figure at its center. ~Steven CThanks for reading! Visit Movie Muse Reviews for more

Selma got nominated for Best Picture. Of course it did. It's a story focussing on an important issue and the main character is an important historical figure who had to overcome lots of obstacles to change the world. If that isn't Oscar bait, what is? Selma didn't look like much. It's just the same type of drama we get every year, which the Academy will love while the public rightly prefer better movies that just get ignored by the Oscars. It only got nominated for 2 awards, and it's admittedly good theme song Glory beat Everything is Awesome from The Lego Movie, which was not the right choice. However, with this film prepare for a pleasant surprise. Selma is a very good film. Not a masterpiece, but miles better than The Theory of Everything and Whiplash. This is what every Oscar baiting movie should aim for: a worthy, powerful movie which is also entertaining and focuses on being enjoyable to people who aren't Oscar voters or critics. Selma is something of a triumph, and a film where I genuinely wasn't bored at all throughout.David Oyelowo is excellent as Martin Luther King, and was certainly worthy of an Oscar nomination. Ava DuVernay's direction is flat, but in a good way. She uses style sparingly (When it's used, it's very effective) and intelligently, and keeps the film grounded in realism, letting the surprisingly strong script and memorable performances tell the story instead of a lot of flashy visuals. Selma is admittedly going the motions through historical events at times and is somewhat predictable, but its characters are believable and its dramatic moments are genuine, rather than forced. Selma is quite a hard hitting movie at times, and it manages to keep you invested throughout. It is still pretty formulaic and you know what's coming much of the time, but rather than selling a message and shoving it down your throat, it's a walk through history which sells the dramatic side of the story well without being overly sentimental. A really good film overall, and far better than I was expecting.8/10

Selma (2014): Dir: Ava DuVernay / Cast: David Oyelowe, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Oprah Winfrey, Tim Roth: True story account of the historical march in Selma lead by Martin Luther King, Jr. Set in the mid 1960's when African Americans still struggled with racial crimes in the South. King is a pastor seeking help from President Lyndon B. Johnson to pass a bill that allows African Americans the right to vote. King riles the spirits around him yet his encouragement and leadership is met with brutality from locals and law enforcement armed with tear gas, guns and clubs. Director Ava DuVernay does a spectacular job at capturing the period including a bombing scene shot in slow motion. The march is riveting as King dares to face the opposition guarding the far end of the bridge. David Oyelowe gives a powerful performance as King who believes what he preaches and stands up for what is right but suffers much to change history. Tom Wilkinson plays off the frustration of President Johnson with a touch of amusement as he walks the line between pleasing King and the American people. Thankfully he proves that his power can indeed make for a better future. Carmen Ejogo plays King's supportive yet frustrated wife who wonder how much longer this can go on. Oprah Winfrey plays an elderly woman who has weathered the physical and emotional pains of racism yet still stands strong. Tim Roth plays Governor George Wallace who is strongly oppose to the bill being passed. The result is a powerful film flawed only with some forced stereotypes but prevails with the news that one man can lead a march over top of racism and hate crimes. Score: 9 / 10

I was not impressed with Selma overall. I honestly expected a bit more from the film and instead ended up watching every other Martin Luther King movie ever. Now this movie does have a few things going for it An amazing soundtrack- One that really goes with the impact of the story A few deep and emotionally gripping scenes. Yes there really powerful in many ways. However we have seen these emotional scenes before and for a Oscar caliber movie it didn't bring anything new in the way 12 Years a Slave did. it kinda just felt like the Oscars wanted a 'black lead' film to be in the running so they said....Selma.. there happy. But I am not happy and really don't think this is a Oscar caliber film at all. I never got into the actor playing MLK. David Oyelwow just didn't capture me. I also think Ava needs more time to become a better director and don't get some first time writer in the chair as well, because it did not go all that great as far the story was concerned. There are just other movies that do Martin more justice-Our friend, Martin - Bringing King to ChinaThis film also had many chances to go deeper and darker with Martin Luther King, but instead it runs away and tries to play it all safe. Overall there is some good here, and if this is your kids first look at Martin Luther King then hey let him watch it, but I have seen too many Martin Luther King documentaries and movies and this just doesn't do it for me.