The Great Debaters (2007)

3.5/4

This is a wonderfully acted and directed movie, that has something important to say

Full Review | Comment

08/22/08

4.5/5

I was having mediocre day and I walked out of the movie totally pumped up and ready for the rest of the day, even though it was 10pm at night.

Full Review | Comment

06/01/08

N/A

There's a real organic sense in the film of how young minds can be nurtured and energized way beyond sex, sports and slacker attitude, into caring and evolving kid works-in-progress. And how debating can be pretty cool too, who knew?

Full Review | Comment

05/02/08

B+

The acting is great and care is taken to develop these characters into people we can root for.

Full Review | Comment

04/10/08

N/A

Enough fictional liberties were taken with The Great Debaters to make it fit neatly on the inspirational genre shelf, but it's grounded in enough reality to excuse Eisle's we-shall-overcome contrivances

Full Review | Comment

03/17/08

B

Showcasing the history is done with care and purpose, but I wanted more. I wanted more time between Washington and Forest Whitaker. I wanted more...

Full Review | Comment

03/04/08

2.5/4

Although we instinctively should be rooting for these characters, Eisele bends the rules of academic debate to make sure the outcome is never in doubt.

Full Review | Comment

02/15/08

3/4

Nate Parker may end up the next Denzel Washington. He has the charm and emotional punch. Put him in more things.

Full Review | Comment

02/12/08

4/4

Sometimes a movie is so literate, so positive and reveals such an intriguing piece of history that it's like a two-hour classroom session.

Full Review | Comment

02/09/08

3/4

Denzel delivers both in front of and behind the camera with The Great Debaters.

Full Review | Comment

02/03/08

C

As is typical of such fare, the primary goals are commendable for their well-intentioned earnestness, but zero points for such gluttonous condescension.

Full Review | 2 Comments

01/31/08

B+

With the help of a great screenplay and tremendous acting, this film ... soars above the typical minority/underdog formula to inspire more than it manipulates.

Full Review | Comment

01/26/08

N/A

The Great Debaters handles conventions well, making an important piece of history affecting and resonant.

Full Review | Comment

01/21/08

N/A

It's the sort of tradeoff Oprah makes daily, finding ways to represent those histories and experiences that are otherwise unrepresented%u2014ways that will appeal to a broad base and so, somehow, make differences.

Full Review | Comment

01/17/08

3/4

. . . an engaging look at a time and place when black men and women had to fight for dignity and respect against overwhelming forces

Full Review | Comment

01/10/08

4.5/5

The Great Debaters is an amazing story, but it's the sensational direction and terrific cast that make the theme resonant.

Full Review | Comment

01/07/08

B-

For all of its hermetic dramatic license, "The Great Debators" hits its emotional marks with help from Forest Whitaker and a talented ensemble cast that includes Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, and newcomer Denzel Whitaker.

Full Review | Comment

01/05/08

3/4

Not only is this a feel good story, but it's moving and inspirational for all.

Full Review | Comment

01/05/08

B+

Instead of exploiting this cruel reality, Washington's camera records both scenes of joy and scenes of tragedy with equal composure, never milking for effect.

Full Review | Comment

01/04/08

2.5/4

It's terrifically acted, pretty much a given with this cast.

Full Review | Comment

01/04/08