Oscar Watch 9.0

There are some films which just reek of strong acting and while you watch, you realize the amazement to see such talent together onscreen. "Doubt" certainly falls into this category.

Notice the nominations alone: Meryl Streep, who seems to garner a nod for showing her face. And this is not to say it's undeserved, as she's simply marvelous and grows more so with age. Amy Adams, who is one of my absolute favorite stars ever since "Junebug" so fascinated and enthralled me. (If you have not seen it, go do it. Right now!) Philip Seymour Hoffman, a fantastic addition no matter what he does and no matter how disheveled he looks doing it. And Viola Davis, a newcomer who has one tantalizing, suspenseful showdown with Meryl Streep which will stick with you long after the film's end.

This, too, was a stage play, much like "Frost/Nixon." I bet it was a doozy onstage, though it certainly did not star the caliber of actors we have here. The premise is instant intrigue: a priest, Philip Seymour Hoffman, at a Catholic school shows (too much?) interest in a young boy, who also is the first black student admitted to this New York City private school in the 1950's. The nuns, school principal Meryl Streep and teacher Amy Adams, delve into whether something inappropriate happened and what, exactly, they should do if it did. Along the way, there is a mighty confrontation of the young boy's mother, Viola Davis, which only serves to complicate.

As you might imagine, this is a dialogue-heavy, intense drama which pulls you along its path. I can bet it worked better onstage, but the look of the film adds to the foreboding nature of its plot. There is a lot of rain and wind and blustery cold. And in the end, there is no real contrition, if you will.

But it's the journey that matters most. And to witness the talent of these fine actors is something to see. I don't know, given the master class of actors involved in the Oscar races this year, whether any of this film's nominees will walk away a winner. (Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman already have won, of course.) I do think they are worthy addtions to the group, and I think the film shows them off nicely.

"Doubt" will get you thinking and could start some interesting conversations. That, too, is a testament to a fine film.