Doubt is a film adapted from a play written by John Patrick Shanley, which tells the story of two nuns pulled into an investigation of one of the priests in their church.  The question becomes what is truth and how do you know it?

Philip Seymour Hoffman is Father Brendan Flynn, the young priest who becomes the mentor and protector of Donald Miller, the school’s first black student. The principal, Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), notices the friendship and plants the seed of doubt with Sister James (Amy Adams). Sister James is the film’s innocent, asking for proof of wrongdoing before assigning guilt. Sister Aloysius doesn’t need proof. She is convinced of Father Flynn’s guilt from the start, and all of the denials in the world wouldn’t be enough to acquit him in her eyes.

I thought the film was ok, but feel that I should give fair warning to take note of the title of the film. Don’t expect any easy answers, and don’t expect a lot of character development. Each character portrays a different archetype, not a rounded person.  Also, don’t miss the scene with Donald Miller’s mother, played by Viola Davis. It was by far the most powerful moment in the film, which has gotten her an Oscar Nomination.

Rating:  

Previews I Liked:

Defiance
Taken

Submit this

Hide Sites

Will Smith stars in Seven Pounds as Ben Thomas, a troubled and damaged IRS agent on a journey to right a grievous wrong.  He knows this is impossible, but he is determined to find redemption and shed his guilt.

While driving with his wife on a night like any other, Ben takes the life of seven people, becoming the sole survivor of a horrible three car accident. The film centers on how he is dealing with this tragedy over a year later.  Over the course of the film, the back story is revealed through flashbacks, providing clues to the viewer as to Ben’s plan. Will Smith inhabits this character completely, playing him in such an understated way that revelations come to the viewer slowly, including the realization that Ben didn’t actually survive the accident.  He walked away physically intact, but he has nothing to live for except his crushing guilt and his master plan.

Once you figure out what is going on (which is fairly early) it is very interesting watching all of the pieces fall into place. My only real complaint is that the film spends a lot more time on Rosario Dawson’s character than any of the others. I would have liked some more time with Ezra (Woody Harrelson)and Holly (Judyann Elder) as well.  Ultimately, I enjoyed the movie, though it is awfully sad.

Rating:  

My sister made me late to this movie, so we didn’t catch the previews.

Submit this

Hide Sites

This movie stars Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski, a retired veteran of the Korean war.  His wife has just died and you get a good look at how him and his family get along.  He never had a good relationship with his children or grandchildren and he pretty much stays to himself.  His only joy left is his 1972 Gran Torino.  There are some uncomfortable racial terms used in the movie but it helps you understand more about Walt.  He catches his korean neighbor breaking into his garage to steal his car which leads to him and the boy striking up a friendship and Walt trying to send the boy into the right direction.

This movie is really slow moving and sometimes seems like it is going nowhere but it is very interesting and I never was bored by what was going on in the movie.  I think this movie is worth seeing in a theatre even though the big screen doesn’t make the movie any better.  I just wouldn’t want to wait for it to come to DVD or rental.

Rating:  

Submit this

Hide Sites