There are enough things to admire about “The Great Debaters,” the heavily fictionalized true story of The Little Debate Team That Could, that your impulse is to forgive the movie its shortcomings.
Archive for January, 2008
Leading the Charge to Inspire Underdogs
Friday, January 4th, 2008Rob Reiner Gambles on Oldsters
Friday, January 4th, 2008After a few flops and a political detour, Mr. Reiner returns with “The Bucket List,” which stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
New DVDs
Friday, January 4th, 2008Thanks to a grass-roots write-in campaign, fans have been rewarded with a seventh group of three releases from the “Walt Disney Treasures” series.
A Knack for Being the Bad Boy
Friday, January 4th, 2008The British actor Ian McShane opens next week as the patriarch Max in Harold Pinter’s “Homecoming,” a man-monster of diminishing powers and, of course, many vulgarities.
Murder Most Musical
Friday, January 4th, 2008“Sweeney Todd” is as much a horror film as a musical. It is also something close to a masterpiece.
Good-Time Charlie’s Foreign Affairs
Friday, January 4th, 2008“Charlie Wilson’s War” may be more of a hoot than any picture dealing with the bloody, protracted fight between the Soviet Army and the Afghan mujahedeen has any right to be.
Just a Girl From Halifax
Friday, January 4th, 2008While many actresses fantasize about wearing Valentino or Zac Posen on the red carpet, Ellen Page has a completely different idea.
Tomorrow’s Oscar Hopefuls Today
Friday, January 4th, 2008The “Black List” has become the kind of underground document that writers with projects in development pray will mention their script.
‘Kite Runner’ Boys Are Sent to United Arab Emirates
Friday, January 4th, 2008After months of worrying and diplomatic wrangling, the movie studio that is releasing “The Kite Runner” has whisked to safety four young actors.
Respect in a Box: Giving John Ford the Major American Artist Treatment
Friday, January 4th, 2008“Ford at Fox” is a gargantuan boxed set that assembles 24 of the 50-some films John Ford made for the studio that was his most consistent home.