O (2001)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007

“O” is a surprisingly intriguing modern spin on Shakespeare’s “Othello.” As is characteristic with Shakespeare’s works, this is a story full of intrigue and despicable characters.

Hugo (Josh Hartnett) is a talented basketball player (and the coach’s son). But that hasn’t won him any favoritism. The coach’s favorite is an even more talented African American player named Odin (Mekhi Phifer).

Hugo’s jealousy and secret contempt for Odin leads him to weave a web of wickedness so vile, that we wonder how he can possibly face himself in the mirror. His treachery is so reprehensible that we cannot look away because we must see what incredulous scheme he’ll implement next.

Basically, Hugo wishes to remove his obstacle, the school’s star player and O’s girlfriend, Desi (Julia Stiles), so he can receive the limelight that he feels he rightfully deserves.

“O” is mostly filled with lies and deceit, though it does have a few violent scenes that are necessary to the plot. What I love about this “sleeper” is its dialed-down, quiet nature. It’s not flashy like some summertime blockbuster, but it’s simple and confident in its story.

I wish we had Shakespeare here to write plays for the silver screen.

Directed by Tim Blake Nelson
Josh Hartnett / Mekhi Phifer / Julia Stiles
95 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up

DVD release date: February 19, 2002
Copyright 2007.
JP0121 : 199