in a more mixed review, geoff berkshire of "variety" called it "a well-intentioned attempt to put a human face on the tragic headlines surrounding oscar grant." though he praised michael b. jordan's performance, he critiqued the "relentlessly positive portrayal" of the film's subject: "best viewed as an ode to victim's rights, "fruitvale" forgoes nuanced drama for heart-tugging, head-shaking and rabble-rousing."