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December 05, 2007
There's no debate, this is a good one.
Above is the preview for another holiday movie. But heres the catch: it's not just another holiday movie. It makes sense if you think about it. Around the holidays, a bunch of movies are released. They all have some of the same things in common: Big stars, and little, if any, plot. This is a trend that will never stop. From this season alone: This Christmas (With Pop Superstar Chris Brown) Fred Clause (Vince Vaughn), The Perfect Holiday, Alvin and the chipmunks, et cetera. Entertaining as these flicks may be, they really just capitalize on the "feel good" mood of the holidays with minimal effort. "The Great Debaters" is not that.
A few things separate this film from that archetype. The main differe is that this movie is based upon a actual events, even more inspiring is that the events are interesting! This is a rarity in recent holiday film. The film stars Denzel Washington as Melvin B. Tolsen, a Harlem Renaissance man. He inspires hope in the nation when he starts a debate team in at a black college in Marshall, Texas. Forest Whitaker also plays a supporting role as one of the debaters' father.
It's a David vs. Goliath film where David is the debate team and Goliath is racial injustice. Lofty? Yes; but it looks like a good film non the less. I see it and I think of 'Remember the Titans,' one of my all time favorites.
Let's talk about production: Denzel Washington is directing his second flick in this film. Antwon Fisher (his first film) wasn't wildly successful in the box office, but it was a damned good film, with a breakout actor in Derek Luke. 'Debaters' has got a few new actors looking for break out roles. I couldn't really tell from the trailer as to whether these young actors were spectacular, but with Denzel behind the lens, they can't be doing too poorly.
The film is produced by Harpo, Oprah's company, with Ms. Winfrey herself listed as the producer. This movie has smash potential, and hopefully Denzel, Oprah, and Forest Whitaker live up to it.
Posted by dlheart at December 5, 2007 03:52 PM