FROST/NIXON ****

Let me first say that I obviously wasn't alive during the Nixon Watergate pandemonium nor did I ever hear about the Frost/Nixon interviews before this move. I know, I know I'm a broadcasting major without knowledge of one of the most famous interviews in broadcast journalism; but that's what movies are for!

I went into Frost/Nixon expecting to be confused and worried I would be wikipeding the events on on my cell phone to follow along better(because everything on that site is real). However, what happened was I became interestingly involved in a story about a washed up television personality played by Michael Sheen and an ex president played by Frank Langella. I never had any need to know about it and now am glad I do. All I remember is watching TGIF back in 1994 and ABC breaking in to tell us Nixon has died.

17 years earlier the former commander-in-chief agreed to sit down for an interview with David Frost. A decision that was laughed at by other networks and looked to become a huge investment disaster. The movie indicates that Frost wanted Nixon's admission that he was guilty and Nixon wanted Frost for every penny he could squeeze out of him for this interview.

Nixon's staff, which includes a younger Dian Sawyer, took every step possible to make sure Nixon didn't say or do anything to explode in front of TV audiences around the world. Frost hired a handful of investigating journalist to prepare for what would end up being television history. There isn't much I can't tell you, we all know the story and the outcome.

The movie flows remarkably well. Although the addition of the documentary interviews throughout the movie could have easily been left out. Frank Langella inherits the passion and emotion of Nixon with believable merit. The physical resemblance isn't exact, but remember Langella has played this role on stage for many years, so the attachment is very much visible.

I was extremely satisfied with Michael Sheen as Frost. His performance was very well executed with just enough spark and determination that I'm sure the real Frost felt during this whirlwind of an adventure he put himself up for.

Ron Howard directs this great retrospective, but probably like many viewers it's hard not to think of Howard as Opie. Howard has given us Oscar winning films like "A Beautiful Mind" and "Apollo 13" but also choked us with "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" so it's no wonder why you may get nervous when his name is attached to a film.

Overall Frost/Nixon is a wonderful history lesson that many may not go to the library to learn more about. In just over two hours I was entertained, informed and enlightened. Everything a movie like this should do.

STILL IN THEATERS