INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Great Debaters

by Matthew Socey

Three stars (PG-13)

The true story of an all-black college debate team in 1930s Texas. The acting by Denzel Washington (who also directs), Forest Whitaker and the young actors playing the title role help overcome an at-times clichéd script. Less coverage of every aspect of 1930s life and more focus on the debating and this could have been excellent. Regardless, still inspiring for young folks.127 minutes. DVD INFO: Both single and two-disc versions are available. The two-disc special edition includes deleted scenes, interviews with some of the real-life subjects, making-of featurettes, an inside look at debate camp, actor profiles, poetry and two music videos.