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Where Frosty the Snowman is a heretic. Where gossip are feathers in the wind. Where doubt is just as powerful as certainty. Bringing his Pulitzer Prize winning play to the silver screen, John Patrick Shanley directs 'Doubt' with a steady hand and watchful eye. It is simultaneously a metaphorically obvious picture and one steeped in ambiguity. And while it stays away from saying profound about the Church, 'Doubt' is nevertheless a breathlessly engrossing and captivating tale.

'Doubt' unfolds very much the same way a stage play would. This may be a handicap for some, but in bringing his own work to the screen, Shanley's deep understanding of the material allows the picture to showcase the terrific talent it plays home to. There is nothing particularly arresting about Shanley's direction, no powerful insight. He knows where the true power lies, and he allows the film's obviously capable cast to command the wheel.

With a stare that could turn fire to stone, Meryl Streep demands unconditional attention in 'Doubt'. It is a delicious performance, wrought with unreadable poker faces and deadpan delivery. Only Streep, one of film's greatest talents, could deliver such a role so convincingly. She is joined alongside her noble adversary Philip Seymour Hoffman around every corner, and the cat and mouse game that ensues is explosive and smart. These are two giants going at each other in an intense psychological battle that culminates in many memorable clashes thanks to a sharp script that mounts tension.

Alas, the supreme scene-stealing moment comes from neither Streep, Hoffman, or the wonderful Amy Adams. Viola Davis' single scene provides 'Doubt' one of the year's most impressive show-stopping moments. It's one thing to star alongside Streep. It's another to upstage her. It really is something to watch and admire, a profoundly moving role that will surely earn her an Oscar nomination.

With so much bubbling under the surface, 'Doubt' shows great restraint in not letting the cat out of the bag. Symbols are overly abundant, whether it's a blown out light bulb or powerful wind. But like the film's true nature, certainty lies just out of reach. Ambiguity lends its hand to create a rather unsettling atmosphere that raises more questions than answers. It's a high-quality production across the board, and while it may not leave a huge impact, it's a very potent film that will leave one with much to ponder. Who will you believe? Who will you find sympathy for? Who will you doubt? More reviews: rottentomatoes.com/vine/journal_view.php?journalid=219276&view=public

'The Reader' tantalizes us with a premise so sultry, so sensuous. Stephen Daldry, who also directed 'The Hours', brings this tale of Nazi accountability to life with the help of a tremendously talented cast. But as the heat of passion wears off, so does the spark that made 'The Reader' such a captivating picture.

'The Reader' nearly achieves greatness during its first hour. It's seductive, sexy. Kate Winslet and David Kross bear all to deliver remarkable and worthy performances. While Winslet is no stranger to stripping down for the camera, David Kross' role as a teenager coming-of-age while living in West Germany during the 1950s is admirably brave. The relationship between these two is captured beautifully on film with human passion during a difficult time of reconstruction and national shame. The film is focused, rapturing.

But as 'The Reader' moves away from its sultry premise, the driving force behind the picture falters. It never ceases to be a fascinating story, but it lacks that emotional punch that would have helped make this a truly memorable experience. It feels rushed, and was in order to be out in time for Oscar consideration. And what was a provocative coming-of-age portrait becomes an interesting but dull look at Holocaust accountability. It suggests an emotionally resonant life story, but in reality 'The Reader' is rather distant. I'm not quite sure what it was getting at, a dilemma that may have risen when translating the source novel from the screen. But I'm not convinced that had Winslet's Hanna been literate, her actions would have been any different. Is it redemption for the awful crimes committed?

The emotional toll that 'The Reader' takes on David Kross' character is obvious. He becomes a heavy smoker, he's forced to watch the trial and humiliation of a woman he thought he knew. Kate Winslet's physical appearance undergoes dramatic changes. The sensuous, lustful body gives way to age. These are two devastatingly human performances, and that makes the difference. 'The Reader' may struggle when it tries to become a profound and meaningful excursion, but the riveting performances of these fine actors is terrific. See it for them. But if you're looking for a more convincing and tragic look at Post-WWII Germany, you may want to look elsewhere.

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'North by Northwest' is not as experimental as 'Psycho'. Nor is it as confined as 'Rear Window' or as disturbing as 'Vertigo'. What it is, however, is a mainstream Hitchcock presenting an endlessly entertaining effort. One of the most satisfying spy thrillers, this case of mistaken identity plays out like an intelligent and explosive cat and mouse chase.

Hitchcock was always one to maintain tight control over every set, every shot. He loosens his reigns in 'North by Northwest' by making the United States of America his playing field. From New York to Chicago to Mount Rushmore, this captivating thriller is a grandiose and ambitious picture from the master of suspense. The result is a brilliantly realized picture whose entertainment value could rival today's Bond.

Cary Grant is electrifying as Roger Thornhill, an unsuspecting man mistaken for a mysterious Kaplan. His journey to keep his life becomes a mad dash to escape the hands of the law, and around every corner Grant faces a looming threat. Eva Marie Saint is fantastic as Grant's romantic interest who has much more invested in Thornhill than he ever suspects. The chemistry between the two is unmistakable, making every twist and turn along the way a brilliant sleight of hand only Hitchcock can deliver.

From a heart pounding chase in the middle of a cornfield to a thrilling climax on the face of Mount Rushmore, 'North by Northwest' provides many memorable moments that make this classic a wild ride from start to finish. Sweeping cinematography and vivid imagery only adds to this thrilling, funny, and romantic adventure that span across amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties. 'North by Northwest' may very well be Hitchcock's most mainstream effort, and you'll savor every moment of it.

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