Doubt [Blu-ray]
Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy AdamsStudio: Miramax
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Running Time: 104 minutes
DVD Release: April 7th 2009
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DVD Review
From Miramax Films comes one of the most honored and acclaimed motion pictures of the year, Doubt. Based on the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, Doubt is a mesmerizing, suspense-filled drama with four riveting performances from Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis that will have you pinned to the edge of your seat. Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep), the rigid and fear-inspiring principal of the Saint Nicholas Church School, suffers an extreme dislike for the progressive and popular parish priest Father Flynn (Hoffman). Looking for wrongdoing in every corner, Sister Aloysius believes she's uncovered the ultimate sin when she hears Father Flynn has taken a special interest in a troubled boy. But without proof, the only thing certain is doubt. Nominated for 5 Golden Globes and 6 Critics' Choice awards, there is no Doubt it is "One of the best pictures of the year," (USA Today, Rolling Stone, New York Post, San Francisco Examiner, Roger Ebert).
Bonus Features include From Stage To Screen, Scoring Doubt, The Sisters Of Charity
User Reviews
A Play that transforms to Film! - Rating: 5/5
Great theatrical producions don't always transfer to great film, but DOUBT certainly does. John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize winning play is a powerhouse film with every cast member giving brillant performances. In a world where issues are too often painted in black and white, DOUBT reminds the audience that discussion and discourse are vital in the search for truth.
"There are people who will go after your humanity..." - Rating: 5/5
Did he or didn't he?
When Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) takes an interest in the only Black boy in school, Donald Miller (Joseph Foster) the Principal Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) makes accusations of impropriety.
The Father has an explanation. Donald, an altar boy, was caught drinking sacramental wine. The kid's troubled, his father beats him, and he needs help. Sister Aloysius doesn't buy it--well, in truth, she doesn't seem capable of giving any kind of warm fuzzy support to her students or her staff.
"Leave my son out of this. My husband will kill my son over one thing like this..." his mother (Viola Davis) begs. She wants her son in Catholic School until June so he can get into a good high school and she's not questioning the motives of someone who's been kind to her son when so few others have been. You see, Mrs. Miller believes her son is 'different' and that's the nature God gave him.
Sister James (Amy Adams), a new nun, doesn't believe Father Flynn did anything wrong. She can't sleep after the accusations.
"Doubt" is a powerful drama about human nature and tolerance. Father Flynn is not the kind of Catholic Sister Aloysius is--his fingernails are too long, he drinks three sugars in his tea, he wants secular music in the Christmas pageant, and he's openly affectionate to the students...Does that make him inappropriate or wrong? So--did Father Flynn take liberties with Donald or didn't he? Watch the film. Decide for yourself. Perhaps you will have doubts....
Rebecca Kyle, April 2009
And The Oscar Goes to..... - Rating: 3/5
Some reviewers referred to Doubt as a film for big-lobed geniuses. Others called it garbage.
Doubt falls somewhere in the middle. This film is not garbage - its designed and was released to get Academy Awards; and like a machine well-designed for a purpose, it does its job. Doubt pushes all the right emotional buttons, has all the right actors and actresses and the story is heavy enough to get the Academy's attention. Plus it contrasts nicely with the Holocaust-related films that are usually a shoe-in at the Oscars.
Even though this film is Oscar bait, Doubt is not bad. I liked the performances in the film and it is not boring. Sure, there are no car crashes nor explosions, but Doubt can still be considered a decent rental, if not a sale purchase.
To the "garbage" reviewers: I recommend "The Man From Earth" - a "thinking person's" movie, but it is not Oscar-bait and it is very entertaining.
Good acting but weak plot - Rating: 3/5
I think in general the actings were reasonably good. The plot was a cheap shot like the writer was finishing up the story in a hurry at the end. Not a movie that will make a strong impression.
Brilliant Ensemble Cast - Rating: 5/5
A lot of plays don't adapt well to the screen ("Love! Valour! Compassion!" anyone?); here we have a successful play being directed by the playwright. What could go wrong? Actually, NOTHING! I still don't understand why Cherry Jones didn't repeat her Tony-winning role, but the Sister Aloysius of Meryl Streep is as centered as it could be. The entire cast is flawless, and the film allows some latitude in location that the play didn't. Very talky, intelligent, fast-paced, and thoroughly focused, I haven't been so impressed in a long time. Some say Amy Adams didn't deserve her Oscar nom, but I strongly disagree. Also, young Joseph Foster, as the catalyst of the controversy, is a talented young man, and I wish him well. I recommend this film highly. I can't remember when I was so impressed by an acting ensemble. Not a weak one in the bunch. A real treat!
