Nothing But The Truth ****

Wow! What a great surprise! I hadn't heard anything about this one. I really just got it because I'm a fan of Kate Beckinsale. She's a great vampire and 'Serendipity' is one of my all time favorite romantic movies.

Kate Beckinsale's performance in 'Nothing But The Truth' is nothing short of Oscar-worthy. She plays a reporter with the story that will embarrass the US President and bring about international scrutiny. When her story is published, the government is quickly after her to give up her CIA informant. Because of the Patriot Act crap, she has no first amendment protection in D.C. Therefore, she is jailed for contempt for almost a year. When the judge finally comes to the conclusion that she's not going to tell, he succumbs to releasing her. However, the quick prosecutor (played by Matt Dillon quite well by the way) arrests her as she's leaving jail, prosecutes her and imprisons her for another two years. Her life and family is overturned all because she wouldn't give up her source. And when the 'source' is revealed at the end, I was moved to tears by the loyalty of this woman!

To make it all even more interesting, this is based on a true story!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Miller_(journalist)
Yes, they took some liberties and embellished. But it's a fascinating look at all of the 'what ifs'.

For me, there were two important lessons in this movie.

First, we should do everything we can (including complaining on blogs, and to your congressman) to stop the the abuse of our first amendment rights. The Patriot Act had a purpose at the time, but it has been heinously abused! As a citizen of the United States, I am entitled to my first amendment rights!!!

If the press is forced to give up their sources, no one will talk. The press would be useless, only uncovering what they want uncovered!

Second, is principle. So often today, we cave. We have our principles, but when push comes to shove, we give up our principles for the easy road. Well, 'Nothing But the Truth' will make you think twice before you give up your principles again! This woman endured so much to protect her source, her principles. She is really to be admired.

'Nothing But the Truth' is moderately safe for the kids, but not really appropriate. There is one really sad conjugal visit where they're having sex, but there's no nudity. Otherwise, I don't think most kids under 18 would totally be able to follow or understand it.

'Nothing But the Truth' is an important movie for us as Americans. It reminds us to protect the freedoms that our forefathers fought to obtain.

The fact that Kate Beckinsale did not get an Oscar nomination for this performance is just wrong!!! Her performance here was better than half of the nominees from last year! It's a travesty that 'Nothing But the Truth' didn't get more attention, and that Beckinsale's stellar performance wasn't recognized by the establishment. She was awesome!

Buy it here: