by Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

Everyone knows Denzel Washington is a fantastic actor, as evinced by his two Academy Award-winning performances in “Training Day” and “Glory,” as well as three other nominated performances. But Washington has shown he can stretch beyond his acting talents and succeed behind the camera as a director as well.

His directorial debut came in 2002 with “Antwone Fisher,” in which he starred as Dr. Jerome Davenport. Now, he has released his sophomore directing piece, “The Great Debaters.”

Although Washington’s newest film has the same feel as “Remember the Titans,” the directing is what makes it so good. “The Great Debaters” could easily be overlooked as just another feel-good predictable movie. But when you look closely at the acting, dialogue delivery and overall film presence, it’s clear this isn’t just any ordinary film. Washington also stars in “The Great Debaters” as Melvin Tolson, a hard-nosed and inspirational college professor who challenges his students.

While I do believe this is an exceptionally good film, I found it odd that it was nominated for only one Golden Globe — in the best picture category. Yet, it’s the direction that makes “The Great Debaters” extraordinary. If any accolades were to be given, it should be to Washington for fine-tuning an otherwise dull film.

Based on a true story about a debate team at an all-black college in Texas, “The Great Debaters” is uplifting to watch, especially during the holiday season. Like “Remember the Titans,” it has a certain air to it that’s difficult to explain but easy to see.

It’s 1935 and professor Tolson at Wiley College in Texas wants his hardest working students to form a debate team, the first of its kind for the small school. After rigorous study, four students are chosen: Henry Lowe (Nate Parker), James Farmer Jr. (Denzel Whitaker), Hamilton Burgess (Jermaine Williams) and Samantha Booke (Jurnee Smollett). Not only is a black debate team rare, but one that has a female member is even more so.

The Wiley College debaters find themselves competing against other schools of their size, but Tolson wants them to prove they are just as well-educated and perhaps more passionate than larger, white schools. Tolson strives for perfection and controversy as he attempts to set up his students to debate Harvard University’s championship team. Now Tolson must shape his team to take on one of the greatest debate teams in the country while working their way up to the top as well.

“The Great Debaters” is produced partly by Oprah Winfrey, so there is no doubt it will be, predictably, inspiring and uplifting. But that predictability helps Washington show what a fine director he is, as he turns cliches upside down. His talents are yet to be up there with Joel and Ethan Coen or Ridley Scott, but he’s gaining on them. I would like this film even better if Washington were solely behind the camera and not acting in the film. Then his well-rounded talent would have really shone through.

missy@tooeletranscript.com