I got exactly what I expected from this film. The Great Debaters is a good movie. It held my attention. Tears welled in moments, horror in others. I experienced what I call the "Rocky feeling" on several occasions (especially when the female debater thunders away about why african americans should be allowed to attend state universities).

Unfortunately, audiences have seen it all before. No one performance was *amazing*, though all were strong. The direction was straightforward, the writing charming and not overly manipulative, the cinematography solid and unimposing. Perhaps the most stand-out thing about the film was the soundtrack, which was magnificent.

The more I think back on the film, though, the more I like it. Perhaps *because* of all those things. It doesn't distract in its reaching for nominations; it just tells the story. And in a season such as this, when every film is being released in hopes of Oscar and Golden Globe chatter, it's refreshing to just watch the story unfold.

More than anything, I appreciated the reminder. It is impossible to forget our history, but reminders such as this - of the injustices and ignorance of our forefathers - are always a welcome reminder.