Review: Doubt (2008)

[Wick]

Great - 4 on a scale of 5 beams.

Devilishly provocative, this Catholic school mystery exploits the
profound doubts created by the scourge of priestly pedophilia. As much
as anything, the movie plays as an elegy for what we've lost: the
unquestioning trust in adults who are charged with mentoring children.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep perform at the peak of their
powers, he as the good guy priest about whom doubts are sown, she as
the hectoring nun who sees good in no one. His three sermons are
riveting soliloquies; her wiggly cheekbones masterfully convey her
frequent disapproval. Worthy dramatic rivals, each instills deep
doubts in the mind of the viewer.

Catholic school miscreant John Patrick Shanley ably converts his prize-
winning play to the silver screen, proving that revenge is best served
via the mass media.

On the key question of whether to trust good Father Flynn, the
Church's lame response to priestly pedophilia serves as diabolical
ruse, forcing the viewer to make a gut decision of Guilty or
Admirable. Can't be both. Me, I choose the latter.

As for the choices made by the strong and wise mother of a terribly
put-upon boy, her gut clearly steered her in the best direction
possible given the harrowing circumstances of her son's life and the
unhinged nature of the vague accusations she's asked to accept. No
doubt.

The movie's one undoubted truth is the invaluable role played in the
lives of children by strong coaches, teachers and clergy. That bad
apple priests damaged this for generations of children compounds the
crimes they committed against their immediate charges.

Source: http://www.wikpik.com/movie_reviews/1630-doubt