Doubt

Title: Doubt
Directed by: John Patrick Shanley
Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis, Alice Drummond
Genres: Drama, Religion, Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hour.44 minutes
Release Date: December 12th, 2008 (limited)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Review: I've heard many great things about this film. That along with the incredible cast made my expectations skyrocket. However, I will admit, I was a bit worried since with great expectations, also come great disappointment, but 'Doubt' delivers; it really is every bit as good as rumor has made it out to be. I am a huge fan of Mr. Seymour Hoffman, and he was indeed great in this film (as was Amy Adams & the rest of the cast), but it is Meryl Streep who really shines here. The woman is absolutely brilliant, and her performance alone makes this one worth the 1 hr. 44 minutes of your life.
Also, hat's off to the director, Mr. Shanley, who showed amazing restraint in not giving away more than he should have; this one will have you guessing long after the credits are done. All in all, a great film that comes highly recommended.

Grade: 8.5

Religulous

Title: Religulous
Directed by: Larry Charles
Starring: Bill Maher, Tal Backman, Larry Charles
Genres: Documentary, Religion
Running Time: 1 hour.41 minutes
Release Date: October 1st, 2008
MPAA Rating: R

Review: Bill Maher is snarky, funny and on his own doubt-spreading soap box in this documentary about religion. Having some serious doubts myself I found the movie interesting, and it brough up quite a few points I have been soap-boxing about myself. but less neutral and with more of a slant than is documentary-appropriate. Definitely a discussion-inducing film worth a watching with an open mind, no matter what prechings you prescribe to.

Grade: 7

W.

Title: W.
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, James Cromwell, Thandie Newton, Ellen Burstyn
Genres: Biopic, Politics, Religion
Running Time: 1 hour.50minutes
Release Date: October 17th, 2008
MPAA Rating:PG-13
Rating:
W. is long. It felt a lot longer than its 1 hour.50 minutes. It would have received a much higher grade if it would not have made me look at my watch every 2 minutes for the entire last 30 minutes. Besides that, it was not a bad movie. It might not be the most exciting movie you'll see in the theater this Fall, but it is an interesting film, and i would recommend seeing it, but you might want to wait for the DVD. The acting is good throughout; Josh Brolin makes a good W, without making the character a complete joke. The President's cabinet were all brilliantly portrayed, and i really liked Ms. Newton's spot-on, brown-nosed Condoleezza. One of the greatest surprises for me was Laura Bush, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, defying my personal impression of the 1st Lady as a dumb, silent, token housewife. Ms. Banks portrayed Mrs. Bush as a life partner and ally to W. I liked that. There are few jokes in the film, but probably a lot less than what people expect. I have read that Mr.Stone wanted to keep it real, and i do think that he did.

Grade:
5