Every good sports movie needs an underdog that the audience can root for. The new film from director Rod Lurie (The Last Castle, The Outpost) has a real one that would have seemed too impossible to believe if a screenwriter had made him up. He’s Mike Flynt, who at the age of 59 went back to play for his college alma mater after 37 years, becoming one of the oldest men to ever play the game.
Superbly played by Michael Chiklis, he’s the real-life hero of The Senior, which recently received its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. When it gets its inevitable theatrical release, this crowd-pleaser should be a potent box office attraction, especially in non-urban areas. The lines are probably already forming in Texas theaters.
The story begins in 1970, when Flynt was a star linebacker at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Unfortunately, he also had a violent temper,...
Superbly played by Michael Chiklis, he’s the real-life hero of The Senior, which recently received its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. When it gets its inevitable theatrical release, this crowd-pleaser should be a potent box office attraction, especially in non-urban areas. The lines are probably already forming in Texas theaters.
The story begins in 1970, when Flynt was a star linebacker at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Unfortunately, he also had a violent temper,...
- 11/22/2023
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rustin is a biographical drama film directed by George C. Wolfe, from a screenplay by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black. The Netflix film is based on the life of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who helped Martin Luther King Jr. and others organize the 1963 March on Washington. The film shows us how history erased him from the civil rights movement he helped build just because an openly gay Black man. Rustin stars Colman Domingo in the lead role of Bayard Rustin, with Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Aml Ameen, Lilli Kay, and Johnny Ramey starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the Netflix film here are some similar movies you could watch next.
Selma Credit – Paramount Pictures
Synopsis: Selma is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.
Selma Credit – Paramount Pictures
Synopsis: Selma is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.
- 11/19/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Exhibit
Germany’s Osthaus Museum in Hagen is presenting a retrospective of American actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone’s decades-long oeuvre of paintings on the occasion of his 75th birthday. Stretching back more than half a century, the showcase features more than 50 paintings, including self-portraits and several works which will be shared publicly for the first time.
“That’s what I love about painting, it’s the only true communication you can have,” said Stallone in a release announcing the retrospective. “While writing can be manipulated, painting is the fastest and purest translator of the subconscious. When something is going on inside you and you hit the canvas, it’s hard to fake it. The artist on the canvas is number one for me when it comes to conveying his feelings.”
The Stallone retrospective opens on Dec. 4 and will be available through Feb. 20, 2022.
Director
Award-winning filmmaker Clement Virgo will helm...
Germany’s Osthaus Museum in Hagen is presenting a retrospective of American actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone’s decades-long oeuvre of paintings on the occasion of his 75th birthday. Stretching back more than half a century, the showcase features more than 50 paintings, including self-portraits and several works which will be shared publicly for the first time.
“That’s what I love about painting, it’s the only true communication you can have,” said Stallone in a release announcing the retrospective. “While writing can be manipulated, painting is the fastest and purest translator of the subconscious. When something is going on inside you and you hit the canvas, it’s hard to fake it. The artist on the canvas is number one for me when it comes to conveying his feelings.”
The Stallone retrospective opens on Dec. 4 and will be available through Feb. 20, 2022.
Director
Award-winning filmmaker Clement Virgo will helm...
- 11/23/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The life and career of legendary cyclist Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor will receive the biopic treatment with the feature drama “Black Cyclone,” helmed by Canadian filmmaker Clement Virgo.
The film depicts the life story of the pioneering bicycle racer, best known to the world as “Major” Taylor. At the turn of the 20th century, Taylor made history when he became the world’s fastest man, as well as America’s first Black world champion, at the height of the Jim Crow era. Set in the late 1890s and early 1900s, an official description of the film notes taht “Black Cyclone” follows Taylor as he “confronted racism, both subtle and deadly, yet triumphed with sheer will, the love of a woman, and his troubled alliances with a Black trainer and a white promoter.”
Of boarding the project as its director, Virgo said, “Major Taylor was a fascinating enigma, an athlete ahead of his time.
The film depicts the life story of the pioneering bicycle racer, best known to the world as “Major” Taylor. At the turn of the 20th century, Taylor made history when he became the world’s fastest man, as well as America’s first Black world champion, at the height of the Jim Crow era. Set in the late 1890s and early 1900s, an official description of the film notes taht “Black Cyclone” follows Taylor as he “confronted racism, both subtle and deadly, yet triumphed with sheer will, the love of a woman, and his troubled alliances with a Black trainer and a white promoter.”
Of boarding the project as its director, Virgo said, “Major Taylor was a fascinating enigma, an athlete ahead of his time.
- 11/22/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: The Hercules: The Legendary Journeys duo of producer Sam Raimi and star Kevin Sorbo have reunited for a new drama, Miracle Man, which has been set up at NBC with Sony Pictures TV producing. Sorbo is set to topline and executive produce the project, with Raimi also exec producing. Written/exec produced by The Great Debaters scribe Robert Eisele, Miracle Man centers on Jason Greene (Sorbo), a decorated Army Ranger who is nearly killed in Afghanistan. Haunted by the…...
- 12/9/2015
- Deadline TV
"American Sniper" scribe Jason Hall is reportedly at work on a new film about returning military veterans which Steven Spielberg may direct later in the year according to The Daily Mail.
The story is based on David Finkel's book "Thank You For Your Service" which explores how returning veterans coped with post traumatic stress disorder after being on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, "Superman" and "Lethal Weapon" director Richard Donner is teaming with producers Derek Hoffman, Bobby Sabelhaus and John Zaozirny to develop the sports and wartime drama "Sons of Soldiers" says Variety.
The story centers on a high school football team at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, and the impact of the players' parents serving in the military. The aim is to explore the sacrifices made not just by the soldiers but by their spouses and children.
Robert Eisele ("The Great Debaters") is penning the script...
The story is based on David Finkel's book "Thank You For Your Service" which explores how returning veterans coped with post traumatic stress disorder after being on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, "Superman" and "Lethal Weapon" director Richard Donner is teaming with producers Derek Hoffman, Bobby Sabelhaus and John Zaozirny to develop the sports and wartime drama "Sons of Soldiers" says Variety.
The story centers on a high school football team at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, and the impact of the players' parents serving in the military. The aim is to explore the sacrifices made not just by the soldiers but by their spouses and children.
Robert Eisele ("The Great Debaters") is penning the script...
- 2/20/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Her, Stories We Tell and Captain Phillips took home top honors on Saturday night as the big winners of the 2014 Writers Guild Awards for outstanding achievement in writing for screen. Television, radio, news, promotional, videogame, and new media writing were also recognized at simultaneous ceremonies at the Jw Marriott L.A. Live in Los Angeles and the Edison Ballroom in New York City. It’s the final precursor guild award leading up to the Oscars.
Below is a complete list of the winners.
Screen Winners
Original Screenplay (matched up with the Academy Awards nominations)
Her, Written by Spike Jonze; Warner Bros.
Nominees included American Hustle, Blue Jasmine, Dallas Buyers Club, Her and Nebraska.
Adapted Screenplay (3 for 5 Oscar nominations)
Captain Phillips, Screenplay by Billy Ray; Based on the book A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy Seals, and Dangerous Days at Sea by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty; Columbia Pictures
In addition to Captain Phillips,...
Below is a complete list of the winners.
Screen Winners
Original Screenplay (matched up with the Academy Awards nominations)
Her, Written by Spike Jonze; Warner Bros.
Nominees included American Hustle, Blue Jasmine, Dallas Buyers Club, Her and Nebraska.
Adapted Screenplay (3 for 5 Oscar nominations)
Captain Phillips, Screenplay by Billy Ray; Based on the book A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy Seals, and Dangerous Days at Sea by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty; Columbia Pictures
In addition to Captain Phillips,...
- 2/2/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Los Angeles – Oscar nominee Bruce Dern, nominated for his lead role in Nebraska, will join an all-star cast of top Hollywood talent presenting honors at The 2014 Writers Guild Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 1, at the Jw Marriott Hotel L.A. Live. In addition to three-time Emmy-winning Everybody Loves Raymond star and 2014 WGA L.A. show host Brad Garrett (previously announced), this year’s presenters are slated to include two-time Emmy and Golden Globe-winning The Good Wife star Julianna Margulies, Oscar-nominated writer-actress Julie Delpy (Before Midnight), three-time TV Guide Award and People’s Choice Award-winning Castle co-star Stana Katic, three-time SAG Award-nominated Breaking Bad actress Betsy Brandt, Rizzoli & Isles co-star Sasha Alexander, and six Daytime Emmy Award-winning Jeopardy host Alex Trebek. Also scheduled to appear are Academy Award-winning comedy director-writer Mel Brooks (The Producers), who will present the Wgaw’s Screen Laurel lifetime achievement award to Oscar-nominated screenwriter-director...
- 1/23/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Jim Brown is widely considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, NFL players of all-time. In his nine seasons as a Cleveland Brown, he made the Pro Bowl every single year and never missed one game due to injury. When he retired in 1965 at the age of only 29, he held the all-time record in Rushing Yards, a record that stood for 19 years (he has since moved to 9th all-time) as well as led the league in everything a running back could possibly lead in.
From there Brown went into acting and became one of Hollywood’s first African American action stars, appearing in everything from the blaxploitation movies of the 70′s to Tim Burton‘s Mars Attacks! in 1995, and continues to act sparingly while also advocating for inner city youth. Jim Brown has pretty much lived the life movies are made of. And he’s apparently realized that too,...
From there Brown went into acting and became one of Hollywood’s first African American action stars, appearing in everything from the blaxploitation movies of the 70′s to Tim Burton‘s Mars Attacks! in 1995, and continues to act sparingly while also advocating for inner city youth. Jim Brown has pretty much lived the life movies are made of. And he’s apparently realized that too,...
- 2/16/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Gridiron legend turned actor Jim Brown has pledged his life rights to producer Hal Lieberman for a biopic which Bob Eisele ("The Great Debaters") will script and Jonathan Hock ("The Lost Son Of Havana") will direct says Deadline.
Brown was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and set every record for a pro running back in North American football. In 2002 Sporting News called him the greatest professional football player ever.
He retired at 29 to become Hollywood’s first African American action star and later an outspoken advocate for inner city youth.
He starred in numerous cinematic hits in the 60's through to the 90's including "The Dirty Dozen", "Ice Station Zebra," "The Running Man" and "Mars Attacks", and made history with Raquel Welch with the pair filming one of the first onscreen interracial love scenes in 1969's "100 Rifles".
The biopic is said to "focus on several facets of a remarkable life...
Brown was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and set every record for a pro running back in North American football. In 2002 Sporting News called him the greatest professional football player ever.
He retired at 29 to become Hollywood’s first African American action star and later an outspoken advocate for inner city youth.
He starred in numerous cinematic hits in the 60's through to the 90's including "The Dirty Dozen", "Ice Station Zebra," "The Running Man" and "Mars Attacks", and made history with Raquel Welch with the pair filming one of the first onscreen interracial love scenes in 1969's "100 Rifles".
The biopic is said to "focus on several facets of a remarkable life...
- 2/16/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Jim Brown, who traded his status as football’s greatest running back to become a movie star and eventually an activist to steer kids away from a gang lifestyle, is ready for his feature film close-up. Brown has pledged his life rights to producer Hal Lieberman for a feature film that will be written by Bob Eisele (The Great Debaters) and directed by Jonathan Hock, helmer of such documentaries as The Lost Son Of Havana and Michael Jordan To The Max. Lieberman is about to shop the package. Lieberman said he first met Brown on the set of New Jersey Turnpikes, a basketball comedy he produced and Brown starred in. Though that film never got released, they kept talking and remained friendly until finally Brown was ready. “I’ve been a fan and follower of his career over my lifetime, and there is 50 years of history under his belt,...
- 2/16/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Photo credit: Getty Images
Screenwriter-director Tate Taylor has been named recipient of the Writers Guild of America, West.s 2012 Paul Selvin Award for his adapted screenplay for the civil rights-era drama The Help.
The Guild.s Selvin Award recognizes written work which embodies the spirit of constitutional rights and civil liberties. Filmmaker Taylor will be honored at the 2012 Writers Guild Awards West Coast ceremony on Sunday, February 19, at the Hollywood Palladium.
.Tate Taylor.s adapted screenplay for The Help artfully distills the empowering essence and core emotional truths of Kathryn Stockwell.s novel, translating it into a film that forcefully illustrates how ordinary people can impact positive social change. Evoking a specific time and place, the film.s message is ultimately universal and remains relevant today. Tate.s honor is well-deserved . and his script does Paul Selvin.s legacy proud by conveying the continuing power of the written word,. said Wgaw President Christopher Keyser.
Screenwriter-director Tate Taylor has been named recipient of the Writers Guild of America, West.s 2012 Paul Selvin Award for his adapted screenplay for the civil rights-era drama The Help.
The Guild.s Selvin Award recognizes written work which embodies the spirit of constitutional rights and civil liberties. Filmmaker Taylor will be honored at the 2012 Writers Guild Awards West Coast ceremony on Sunday, February 19, at the Hollywood Palladium.
.Tate Taylor.s adapted screenplay for The Help artfully distills the empowering essence and core emotional truths of Kathryn Stockwell.s novel, translating it into a film that forcefully illustrates how ordinary people can impact positive social change. Evoking a specific time and place, the film.s message is ultimately universal and remains relevant today. Tate.s honor is well-deserved . and his script does Paul Selvin.s legacy proud by conveying the continuing power of the written word,. said Wgaw President Christopher Keyser.
- 1/30/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts/Los Angeles' Inner City Cinema, The Weinstein Company, C.U.R.E, Kalicoat Kids and P.C.I. used the impact of film to make a difference Sunday -- presenting a special screening of The Great Debaters in Los Angeles' Athens Park Gym at Helen Keller Park, which was once plagued by gang activity.
A packed crowd of families, including many children, came together to see the film and meet actors Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker and Denzel Whitaker, as well as screenwriter Robert Eisele. The screening was held in honor and memory of LAPD Officer Randal Simmons.
"This is bringing together two rival groups that are coming together to only do good for children," explained BAFTA/LA's Katy Haber. Since June 2005, BAFTA/LA has been holding monthly screenings at Helen Keller Park, in association with CURE, the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation/South County Community Services Agency, and Hollywood Outdoor Movies.
This and other efforts have made a difference.
A packed crowd of families, including many children, came together to see the film and meet actors Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker and Denzel Whitaker, as well as screenwriter Robert Eisele. The screening was held in honor and memory of LAPD Officer Randal Simmons.
"This is bringing together two rival groups that are coming together to only do good for children," explained BAFTA/LA's Katy Haber. Since June 2005, BAFTA/LA has been holding monthly screenings at Helen Keller Park, in association with CURE, the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation/South County Community Services Agency, and Hollywood Outdoor Movies.
This and other efforts have made a difference.
- 2/19/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- Studio-helmer Tim Story (Fantastic Four: Rise of The Silver Surfer) has been tapped to direct and Forest Whitaker will headline The Weinstein Company's contemporary sports drama (industry says that we need at least 5 projects of the such in a given year - yeesh). Written by Robert Eisele, Patriots would see Whitaker would play Al Collins, basketball coach for John Ehret High in Marrero, La., who led his Patriots to the state championship a year after Katrina ravaged the school and displaced many of its students. Collins' team consisted of 10 players who attended five different schools before the disaster. Variety reports that the project will be produced by Iam Entertainment's Raymond Brothers and Scott Glassgold, along with Story. Brothers had optioned the coach's life rights. He, Story and Eisele developed the script together. ...
- 1/16/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Denzel Washington's new movie The Great Debaters is leading the nominations for the NAACP Image Awards after landing nods including Best Picture. The film, about a Texas professor who takes his African-American students to debate the great minds at Harvard University in the 1930s, is also up for Best Actor (Washington), Best Director (Washington), Best Actress (Jurnee Smollett) and Best Writing (Robert Eisele). Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker and Nate Parker are all nominated for Best Supporting Actor for their roles in the movie. Elsewhere, in the Best Actor category Washington is up against Don Cheadle (Talk To Me), Terrence Howard (Pride), Will Smith (I Am Legend) and Columbus Short (Stomp The Yard). Best Actress is between Smollett, Angelina Jolie (A Mighty Heart), Halle Berry (Things We Lost In The Fire), Jill Scott (Why Did I Get Married?) and Taraji P. Henson (Talk To Me). Competing against The Great Debaters in the Best Picture field are American Gangster, I Am Legend, Why Did I Get Married? and Talk To Me. The National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People's 39th annual Image Awards takes place February 14 in Los Angeles.
- 1/10/2008
- WENN
Denzel Washington[/link]Denzel Washington's new movie The Great Debaters is leading the nominations for the Naacp Image Awards after landing nods including Best Picture.
The film, about a Texas professor who takes his African-American students to debate the great minds at Harvard University in the 1930s, is also up for Best Actor (Washington), Best Director (Washington), Best Actress (Jurnee Smollett[/link]Jurnee Smollett) and Best Writing (Robert Eisele[/link]Robert Eisele).
Denzel Whitaker[/link]Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker[/link]Forest Whitaker and Nate Parker[/link]Nate Parker are all nominated for Best Supporting Actor for their roles in the movie.
Elsewhere, in the Best Actor category Washington is up against Don Cheadle[/link]Don Cheadle (Talk To Me), Terrence Howard[/link]Terrence Howard (Pride), Will Smith[/link]Will Smith (I Am Legend) and Columbus Short[/link]Columbus Short (Stomp The Yard).
Best Actress is between Smollett, Angelina Jolie[/link]Angelina Jolie (A Mighty Heart), Halle Berry[/link]Halle Berry (Things We Lost In The Fire), Jill Scott (Why Did I Get Married?) and Taraji P. Henseon (Talk To Me).
Competing against The Great Debaters in the Best Picture field are American Gangster, I Am Legend, Why Did I Get Married? and Talk To Me.
The National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People's 39th annual Image Awards takes place 14 February in Los Angeles.
The film, about a Texas professor who takes his African-American students to debate the great minds at Harvard University in the 1930s, is also up for Best Actor (Washington), Best Director (Washington), Best Actress (Jurnee Smollett[/link]Jurnee Smollett) and Best Writing (Robert Eisele[/link]Robert Eisele).
Denzel Whitaker[/link]Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker[/link]Forest Whitaker and Nate Parker[/link]Nate Parker are all nominated for Best Supporting Actor for their roles in the movie.
Elsewhere, in the Best Actor category Washington is up against Don Cheadle[/link]Don Cheadle (Talk To Me), Terrence Howard[/link]Terrence Howard (Pride), Will Smith[/link]Will Smith (I Am Legend) and Columbus Short[/link]Columbus Short (Stomp The Yard).
Best Actress is between Smollett, Angelina Jolie[/link]Angelina Jolie (A Mighty Heart), Halle Berry[/link]Halle Berry (Things We Lost In The Fire), Jill Scott (Why Did I Get Married?) and Taraji P. Henseon (Talk To Me).
Competing against The Great Debaters in the Best Picture field are American Gangster, I Am Legend, Why Did I Get Married? and Talk To Me.
The National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People's 39th annual Image Awards takes place 14 February in Los Angeles.
- 1/10/2008
- WENN
The Weinstein Co.'s The Great Debaters moved to the top of the class for the 39th NAACP Image Awards, nabbing eight nominations, including two for Denzel Washington.
Washington's nominations, announced Tuesday during a news conference at the Beverly Hilton, were for actor in a motion picture and directing in a motion picture, theatrical or TV.
The film, loosely based on the true story of Wiley College debate coach Melvin B. Tolson, who inspires his students to form the school's first debate team, also received nominations in the categories of motion picture, actress in a motion picture (Jurnee Smollett) and writing in a motion picture, theatrical or television (Robert Eisele). The film's Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker and Nate Parker were nominated in the supporting actor category.
Other nominees in the actor in a motion picture category include Columbus Short (Stomp the Yard), Don Cheadle (Talk to Me), Terrence Howard (Pride) and Will Smith (I Am Legend).
Angelina Jolie was nominated for her role as widow Mariane Pearl in A Mighty Heart for actress in a motion picture along with Halle Berry for Things We Lost in the Fire, Jill Scott for Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?...
Washington's nominations, announced Tuesday during a news conference at the Beverly Hilton, were for actor in a motion picture and directing in a motion picture, theatrical or TV.
The film, loosely based on the true story of Wiley College debate coach Melvin B. Tolson, who inspires his students to form the school's first debate team, also received nominations in the categories of motion picture, actress in a motion picture (Jurnee Smollett) and writing in a motion picture, theatrical or television (Robert Eisele). The film's Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker and Nate Parker were nominated in the supporting actor category.
Other nominees in the actor in a motion picture category include Columbus Short (Stomp the Yard), Don Cheadle (Talk to Me), Terrence Howard (Pride) and Will Smith (I Am Legend).
Angelina Jolie was nominated for her role as widow Mariane Pearl in A Mighty Heart for actress in a motion picture along with Halle Berry for Things We Lost in the Fire, Jill Scott for Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?...
Like "Antwone Fisher", Denzel Washington's first directorial effort, "The Great Debaters" is an earnest drama about the search for self-esteem and sense of responsibility among young black people that successfully relies on its fine actors, including Washington, to set off fireworks.
Screenwriter Robert Eisele has handed the director a juicy, all-but-forgotten story about the debate team of Wiley College, a black liberal arts institution in the Jim Crow South that won most of its debates against black and white schools in the 1930s. Coaching a team that helped propel several future civil rights leaders into the limelight was the famous black poet and professor Melvin B. Tolson.
Eisele and Washington mine this rich though heavily fictionalized material for powerful situations and themes relating to self-empowerment and the pursuit of justice that are no less relevant in today's society. The film itself smacks more of TV, not because anything has been shortchanged in production values or filmmaking brio but because the American cinema largely has abandoned worthy dramas to television in favor of thrills, action and visual effects.
Good to see that Hollywood can still stand and deliver a fine period drama. If producer Oprah Winfrey -- along with Washington and Forest Whitaker, who also stars -- stump for this Christmas Day release, the film might even find theatrical success with adult audiences from many backgrounds.
The story takes place in 1935 in Marshall, Texas, where Wiley professor Tolson (Washington) selects, trains and polishes four young debaters. The youngest, James Farmer Jr. (Denzel Whitaker, who despite his name is related to neither namesake), is a historical figure, a man who blossomed into a major civil rights leader. But at 14, he struggles in the long shadow of a strict minister father, James Farmer Sr. (Forest Whitaker), and with a growing sense of outrage over brutally unfair conditions faced by Southern blacks.
He also is too young to do anything about a crush he has on Samantha Booke (Jurnee Smollett), the first female ever selected to debate. She in turn faces a double prejudice on account of her skin color and gender. Suave and restless Henry Lowe (Nate Parker) catches her eye, but he sometimes gets drawn to honky-tonk saloons when things go badly. A fourth debater, Hamilton Burgess (Jermaine Williams), eventually will consider quitting the team, as his parents worry about Tolson's "radical" activities. Tolson is the not-so-secret organizer of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union, which the town's white sheriff (John Heard) fiercely opposes.
Personal growth and deepening relationships occur as the teacher and his charges confront opposing teams, immaturity and even a lynching they come across. The film follows the debaters all the way to a (fictional) showdown with Harvard University that serves as a climax for all the subplots and relationships. (The actual opponent was USC.)
Washington commands the screen in dapper threads, a pipe he jabs like a weapon and a make-no-excuses urgency with his young students. Whitaker (the elder) establishes the minister as a man of dignity and firmness but, perhaps because of his upbringing in the Jim Crow era, unwilling to follow up words with action.
All the young actors deliver exceptional performances. Whitaker (the younger) beautifully mixes adolescent uncertainties with a burning sense of indignity over white abuse. Parker, Smollett and Williams give highly individualistic performances in composite roles inspired by former students Eisele and co-story writer Jeffrey Porro encountered through research or personal interviews.
Tech credits are solid, with special kudos going to production designer David J. Bomba and cinematographer Philippe Rousselot. James Newton Howard and Peter Golub's melodic, understated score interspersed with blues, jazz and gospel standards is a real treat.
THE GREAT DEBATERS
MGM
The Weinstein Co. presents a Harpo Films production
Credits:
Director: Denzel Washington
Screenwriter: Robert Eisele
Story by: Robert Eisele, Jeffrey Porro
Producers: Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey, Joe Roth
Executive producer: David Crockett
Director of photography: Philippe Rousselot
Production designer: David J. Bomba
Music: James Newton Howard, Peter Golub
Co-producer: Molly Allen
Costume designer: Sharen Davis
Editor: Hughes Winborne
Cast:
Melvin B. Tolson: Denzel Washington
James Farmer Sr.: Forest Whitaker
Henry Lowe: Nate Parker
Samantha Booke: Jurnee Smollett
James Farmer Jr.: Denzel Whitaker
Hamilton Burgess: Jermaine Williams
Ruth Tolson: Gina Ravera
Sheriff Dozier: John Heard
Pearl Farmer: Kimberly Elise
Running time -- 130 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
Screenwriter Robert Eisele has handed the director a juicy, all-but-forgotten story about the debate team of Wiley College, a black liberal arts institution in the Jim Crow South that won most of its debates against black and white schools in the 1930s. Coaching a team that helped propel several future civil rights leaders into the limelight was the famous black poet and professor Melvin B. Tolson.
Eisele and Washington mine this rich though heavily fictionalized material for powerful situations and themes relating to self-empowerment and the pursuit of justice that are no less relevant in today's society. The film itself smacks more of TV, not because anything has been shortchanged in production values or filmmaking brio but because the American cinema largely has abandoned worthy dramas to television in favor of thrills, action and visual effects.
Good to see that Hollywood can still stand and deliver a fine period drama. If producer Oprah Winfrey -- along with Washington and Forest Whitaker, who also stars -- stump for this Christmas Day release, the film might even find theatrical success with adult audiences from many backgrounds.
The story takes place in 1935 in Marshall, Texas, where Wiley professor Tolson (Washington) selects, trains and polishes four young debaters. The youngest, James Farmer Jr. (Denzel Whitaker, who despite his name is related to neither namesake), is a historical figure, a man who blossomed into a major civil rights leader. But at 14, he struggles in the long shadow of a strict minister father, James Farmer Sr. (Forest Whitaker), and with a growing sense of outrage over brutally unfair conditions faced by Southern blacks.
He also is too young to do anything about a crush he has on Samantha Booke (Jurnee Smollett), the first female ever selected to debate. She in turn faces a double prejudice on account of her skin color and gender. Suave and restless Henry Lowe (Nate Parker) catches her eye, but he sometimes gets drawn to honky-tonk saloons when things go badly. A fourth debater, Hamilton Burgess (Jermaine Williams), eventually will consider quitting the team, as his parents worry about Tolson's "radical" activities. Tolson is the not-so-secret organizer of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union, which the town's white sheriff (John Heard) fiercely opposes.
Personal growth and deepening relationships occur as the teacher and his charges confront opposing teams, immaturity and even a lynching they come across. The film follows the debaters all the way to a (fictional) showdown with Harvard University that serves as a climax for all the subplots and relationships. (The actual opponent was USC.)
Washington commands the screen in dapper threads, a pipe he jabs like a weapon and a make-no-excuses urgency with his young students. Whitaker (the elder) establishes the minister as a man of dignity and firmness but, perhaps because of his upbringing in the Jim Crow era, unwilling to follow up words with action.
All the young actors deliver exceptional performances. Whitaker (the younger) beautifully mixes adolescent uncertainties with a burning sense of indignity over white abuse. Parker, Smollett and Williams give highly individualistic performances in composite roles inspired by former students Eisele and co-story writer Jeffrey Porro encountered through research or personal interviews.
Tech credits are solid, with special kudos going to production designer David J. Bomba and cinematographer Philippe Rousselot. James Newton Howard and Peter Golub's melodic, understated score interspersed with blues, jazz and gospel standards is a real treat.
THE GREAT DEBATERS
MGM
The Weinstein Co. presents a Harpo Films production
Credits:
Director: Denzel Washington
Screenwriter: Robert Eisele
Story by: Robert Eisele, Jeffrey Porro
Producers: Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey, Joe Roth
Executive producer: David Crockett
Director of photography: Philippe Rousselot
Production designer: David J. Bomba
Music: James Newton Howard, Peter Golub
Co-producer: Molly Allen
Costume designer: Sharen Davis
Editor: Hughes Winborne
Cast:
Melvin B. Tolson: Denzel Washington
James Farmer Sr.: Forest Whitaker
Henry Lowe: Nate Parker
Samantha Booke: Jurnee Smollett
James Farmer Jr.: Denzel Whitaker
Hamilton Burgess: Jermaine Williams
Ruth Tolson: Gina Ravera
Sheriff Dozier: John Heard
Pearl Farmer: Kimberly Elise
Running time -- 130 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 12/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.