First-time feature writer-director Ryan Coogler gets key production support from Oscar winners Octavia Spencer and Forest Whitaker to chart the final moments of a young man (Michael B. Jordan) on Dec. 31, 2008. Oscar Grant, a San Francisco Bay area resident, seems intent on getting a head start on his New Year’s resolutions — being a better son, partner, father and man — but there are ominous signs that fate has other plans for Grant. In light of the George Zimmerman verdict, the release of Fruitvale Station promises to extend the next wave in the country’s ongoing discussion of race with a humanizing portrait of this complex young man. Also, Coogler and the film embark on the next phase of their award-winning journey, following their success on the festival circuit (Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance and Un Certain Regard – Avenir Prize winner at Cannes). Now open at Esquire Theatre. (R) Not screened in time for review.
