With a phenomenal lead performance from David Oyelowo, 'Selma (2014)' focuses upon a specific time and place within both the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. It's a period that isn't always focused upon but is desperately important in the history of this monumental campaign. It highlights its modern day relevance while shining a light on perhaps a slightly overlooked part of a massive chunk of the movement. The film itself is a moving and captivating one that manages to evoke the rising power of King's speeches through a fantastic script and a powerhouse central turn. It's a methodical and affecting piece that will invigorate you in a similar way that real events should have, able to move you with nothing but well-timed words. It makes for a powerful watch. 7/10

David Oyelowo portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr is stiff and flat. David didn't quite capture Martin's mannerism merely a poor imitation. It doesn't help that the movie is incredibly slow and boring. I've seen a few actors attempt to emulate King, so far no one has done a better job of portraying King than actor Jeffrey Wright. If you havent seen the HBO movie Boycott I encourage you to watch it. Jeffrey is outstanding. Carmen Ejogo is an incredible actress and does a phenomenal performance of Coretta Scott King. She also plays Coretta in the HBO movie Boycott along with her husband Jeffrey.

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

Martin Luther King Jr., who is a black minister, calls for a vote rights of black people in Selma, Alabama. As he marches with black people collectively, the white attack violently black people. Resisting the white's violence, the black led by King Jr. expands civil rights movement to the whole America including the white and the President Lyndon Johnson. Every single person in the world knows that King Jr. is the greatest and the most influential hero who approaches the world to indiscrimination. This film is depicted in detail how he stirs up the world little by little. When he speaks out in public, he is just viewed as an eloquent and brave figure; however, the film tells us that King Jr. is at times afraid of resisting his antagonists. In addition, some of the core members of demonstration decide who should be in the very front in marching by scissors-paper-stone. If I were in this situation, I would hope not to be the one in front to death. They are of course fearful for their action, but they end up with overcoming the fear. I believe that their brave must be respected and admired profoundly.