Doubt

Review: For the most part Doubt missed the mark, never going beyond a mediocre drama that seemed to hold the hand of the viewer, forcing emotions rather than guiding. Perhaps it's because it's based on a play, but Doubt felt boxed in and overly controlled, preventing me from connecting with it in any meaningful way. It's not that its a bad film, there is a strong message at its heart, but its not one of the best film of the year. A few of the scenes between Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep are powerful and memorable, but on a whole the film left me wanting more of those scenes and less of the cold, somber drabble that filled most of the rest of the movie.
Rating: 3/5

Award Consideration: Doubt is nominated for five awards, though it shouldn't come away with any wins. Meryl Streep is the most deserving of the nominees, giving another great performance. I, however, wouldn't put it above Kate Winslet's performance in The Reader. Phillip Seymour Hoffman also got a nomination for best supporting actor which seemed like a stretch considering the role seemed more like leading one. However, despite a good performance, this years supporting actor award goes to Heath Ledger.

The final three nominations I think are undeserved. I thought the biggest fault with the film is that it felt too trapped by its play roots, and I think the blame lies in a bad adaptation. Considering this, I think the nomination for best adapted screenplay is unjustified. The two nominations it received for best supporting actress also are a stretch. Viola Davis is in the film for about five mintues, and while she does a fine job, there is nothing overly remarkable about her performance. Amy Adams performance I felt was one of the worst in the film, with her 'innocent nun' role feeling a bit over the top and borderline annoying.