Fruitvale Station

Based on the true story of Oscar Grant, this powerful & moving film is not so much about the tragic 2009 New Years Day event at the train station, but about the character of a young man struggling to get his life back on track, only to have it snatched away. Writer/director Ryan Coogler skillfully acquaints the audience with Grant mainly through the events with friends and family on the day before his fatal date with history. Michael B. Jordan is outstanding as Grant and Octavia Spencer plays his mother. Shot on location in Oakland, the film captures the flavor of Grant's environment.

Alien gives it 3 "humanizing the headlines" stars out of 4.