Doubt: Three Huge Performances ****

Doubt is a movie thats generally dark, always engrossing, and intellectually sound. There are no gimmicks here, no massive special effects, no camera tricks, and no plot constraints this movie is simple and engrossing as it shoots straight for the heart and explores one of humanities most controversial issues: Doubt.

The movie opens with a morning mass as priest Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) preaches about doubt and he points out that even though we doubt we ALL doubt together therefore, never feel alone or that you are the only one who doubts because we all do. This is a very positive start to this movie and it shows a little bit of Flynn's character but then we're introduced to another character. This character demands the spotlight and grabs our attention right from the get go; Sister Aloysious (Meryl Streep) plays a Nazi type character being overly strict with the kids and shows no compassion at all. These two characters drive the film as they battle for supremecy of this little catholic school. Sister James (Amy Adams) is caught right in the middle and she's an innocent Nun who just wants to make these kids lives a little better and she also wants to share her love of teaching with them. This is a nice warm center to a very cold and upfront movie that goes head on into the issue of the Priest touching a boy named Donnald Miller; the only black boy of the school.

Things heat up when Sister Aloysious confronts Priest Flynn and accuses him of doing these things but the only problem is that she hasn't the slightest bit of proof, just faith. This movie because to throw a finger at religion and how its dealt with; it exploits the workings and mis-workings of the catholic system and shows a racial tension as well and how people desperate are in this world; its startling and engrossing but most of all things will happent that you will not agree with and thats the whole point of this movie.

The acting in this movie is unbelievably incredible; we are so priviledged to watch three of the best actors in the business and each actor focus' on their own characters rather than comparing to others. Amy Adams does an amazing job not worrying about her powerhouse companions but she just focuses on her own character and brings a wonderfully innocent portrayal to the screen.

This movie is amazing because its so powerful in a subtle way that most people will overlook but if your wililng to look at the details in this movie you'll be rewarded greatly. This movie has marvelous acting and a brilliant idea that I've never seen before, wholly original, and great acting, and very thought provoking; this movie is Oscar worthy, no doubt about that.