MOVIE REVIEW - Doubt

More Oscar nominated movies to talk about, this one starring Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams - Doubt

Doubt is the movie adaptation of the stage play of the same name, and many times during this movie, it really feels like a play, more than a movie. It has that "stage play" feel to it, which is a testament to the movie makers and the players within it.

Doubt is the story of an inner city Catholic School in 1964. Streep plays the schools aging nun-principal, who runs a tight ship that was standard in those days. Hoffman is the schools priest, and the over all person in charge of such. Adams is a young nun who teaches the 8th grade, and is overall still naive of the world and the people in it.

After a series if circumstantial events witnessed by the young teacher on school grounds, the priest is suspected of "improper" behavior with one of the schools young male students, who happens to be the first black child ever admitted to the school. The principal then begins a crusade at her own risk to "bring down" the priest, and the drama ensues.

Doubt is serious drama. This is a highly adult film that takes on some of the toughest issues that face any church, or certainly any of us. It is a story that challenges the faith of some, and reaffirms the faith of others. It will all be in the beholder.

The three lead characters are all huge roles, with Adams very strong in her portrayal of a young nun, getting a worldly lesson early on in her career. Her performance is the stuff of Oscar worthiness. But truthfully, Doubt belongs to Hoffman. Hoffman is completely believable as the enigmatic priest who is seemingly both friend and foe to his congregation. His performance is both compelling and powerful. With an Oscar already on his shelf at home from Capote a couple years ago, he may have to make more room for this performance in Doubt. He is the real deal here.

Doubt is not light move going, and isn't for everyone. Some of these issues are very close to the surface, and will make you uncomfortable, which of course is Doubts intent. You be the judge before you buy your ticket if you're willing to go down a road that could possibly make you a bit fidgety in your seat. Doubt dares to take on a tough issue, and then lets you be the judge.

Doubt. Very good, and very thought provoking.