Selma

Grade: B-

I have mentioned before that a biopic, historical drama, or general “based on a true story” movie is not my preferred kind, and is fighting an uphill battle with me. The new Martin Luther King movie Selma is a lengthy, sometimes effective, occasionally-but-not-too-often thought-provoking march (no pun intended) through this very genre. What carries this film is a powerful performance by David Oyelowo as MLK, supported by an impressive ensemble which includes Giovanni Ribisi, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Martin Sheen, Brandon O’Dell, and Tim Roth. Other than that, nothing too special here.

Grade: B-