Doubt (2008)

3.5 out of 4

Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis

Director: John Patrick Shanley

Time: 104 mins

Viewed: Clearview Strathmore 4, Matawan, New Jersey

Riveting drama set in 1964 in a Catholic school in the Bronx, where a sweet but naive nun and history teacher, Sister James (Adams), suspects an inappropriate relationship between Father Flynn (Seymour Hoffman) and an altar boy, who just happens to be black. When the stern principal, Sister Aloysius (Streep), gets a wind of this development, fireworks ensue. Based on the play by writer/director Shanley, film is a showcase for fine acting, with Streep especially strong as the "dragon" of the school. Hoffmann and Adams, as well as Davis in a powerful, cameo-like appearance, are also very good, which is evidenced in the Academy Award nominations for all four..

(c) Joe Wong (8 February 2009)