THE GREAT DEBATERS (2008) ** DVD review

I have an affinity for underdog stories. I also like films where those some underdogs succeed despite their race, gender or oppressive circumstances. “The Great Debaters” fits this category, yet I consider it a lesser effort despite the high profile celebrities involved.

Oprah produced it. Denzel Washington directed and starred in it. Forrest Whitaker co-starred. It’s a true story about a debate team from an all-black university who beats an all-white Harvard University in the 1930’s. Should’ve been great, right?

Unlikable characters, boring direction, poor acting and a one-dimensional storytelling approach marred what could’ve been the feel-good movie of the year. Denzel’s character was too smug and cocky to make a connection with the audience and the hero character of Henry Lowe (Nate Parker) had mean-spirited meltdowns so severe that it was hard to like him once he recovered. Jurnee Smollette, playing the only female debater on the team, looked beautiful but it was obvious she had no charisma or acting talent the second she opened her mouth. The always excellent Forrest Whitaker got little screen time. The films one bright spot came in the form of Denzel Whitaker (apparently no relation to Washington or F. Whitaker) who plays James Farmer Jr., the teams 14 year-old prodigy member. This kid has acting talent and brought life to the film’s only character capable of winning over the audience. Although his character had one ugly tantrum-meltdown, he delivers the best moments of the film, including his final speech at the end. I want to see this guy in more stuff. His soulful eyes project a range of emotion few child actors can accomplish.

“Glory Road” is an example of how this type of film can be done right without slapping the audience with a heavy, self-righteous hand. It’s hard to make the full range of audience members connect when all the white characters in the film are 100% evil. The only pathos shown by whites in the entire film is from the debate judges when they award the protagonists a victory, but they barely have speaking parts and no development whatsoever. A more dimensional range in the minor characters in the film could’ve cleared up this problem.

Although it’s a poor script, it’s a terrific story and it deserves to be told. The ending is designed to win the audience over despite the flaws and it succeeds, but I couldn’t overlook all the times I sighed during the film when I noticed substandard filmmaking. Denzel Washington hasn’t convinced me he can direct without his ego fogging up the lens. Hopefully Oprah and company will aim for script and acting quality next time. In the meantime, see “Glory Road.” It’s not the best film of its type but it scratches the itch that “The Great Debaters” failed to reach.

See the trailer for "Glory Road" below...