Well-Intentioned and well-executed and recommended with reservations only because
05.11.08 - 06:13am
Well-Intentioned and well-executed, and recommended with reservations only because theres still something terribly troubling even about a feelgood flick packed with so many misrepresentations. The packed house I saw the film with applauded at the end. You will, too. Great Debaters dvd The story needed to be told, but like most inspirational sagas, whether based on fact or fiction, Denzel Washingtons sophomore effort as helmer doesnt escape the genres main problems of formulaic narrative and predictably uplifting outcome. This isnt just the story of a debate team, its a captivating picture of what ambitious, intelligent black people faced then, and still face today in some areas. As for Mr. Parker and Ms. Smollett, theres no debating what awaits them — stardom, very soon. With Antwone Fisher and now The Great Debaters, Mr. Washington has made a pair of movies that dodge enough clichés to indulge in a few.