Frost/Nixon is the latest masterwork from Ron Howard. For some, masterwork and Ron Howard have no business being in the same sentence but personally, I've been a fan for years. True, he's faltered a few times (Ed TV or DaVinci Code anyone?) but when he brings his A-game, he brings it in a big way. With Frost/Nixon, he's brought his A-game.

Based on the play by The Queen scribe Peter Morgan (who also penned the screenplay), Frost/Nixon recreates the famed interview between Australian TV show host David Frost, and disgraced President Richard Nixon. As the film opens, we're introduced to Frost, a most unlikely candidate for the interview of the decade. Known for his energy and charm, Frost never really was much of a hard news guy, making his involvement in this interview a bit puzzling. Puzzling enough to scare major networks from committing financial assistance. Ultimately though, Frost would convince the ex-President into agreeing to do the interview, and through riveting television, history would be made.

Upon watching the trailer for Frost/Nixon, one might suspect that this is one of those pictures that screams; "Give me an Oscar!" Upon watching the film however, it becomes perfectly clear that there's nothing pandering about this amazing, intimate, and incredibly entertaining film.

What makes Ron Howard so special as a film maker is his style. His style is that he has no distinct style. This isn't to say his films aren't stylish. They certainly are, but each time out, Howard does his best to fashion a unique film experience using the best tools to tell that particular story. In other words, when one watches a Ron Howard film, there's no specific stamp or technique that suggests it is a Ron Howard film. Except that in most cases, his movies are damn entertaining.

With Frost/Nixon, Howard has found a most intriguing way to bring Morgan's play to cinematic life, and the title of the film perfectly encapsulates the overall style of the movie. Essentially, Frost/Nixon plays like a boxing match. Not only in terms of the interview sessions themselves, which are incredibly exciting, but in the way that both competitors are aided by the respective teams in their corners, and in the way the plot builds to it's rousing climax. Of course in a movie, creating an effective and rousing boxing match only works if you know who the boxers are, and through simplistic direction, a complex screenplay, and richly textured performances, Frost/Nixon delivers a knockout.

In one corner, we have affable David Frost, a likable TV personality on the verge of an incredibly successful professional life. Michael Sheen, who convincingly played Tony Blair in The Queen, is David Frost, and not only does he bring charisma, charm, and swagger to the table. He also brings vulnerability. Frost puts up a front. He may look completely confident but it's plain as day that there's a lot of fear behind those eyes . And why wouldn't he be afraid. Interviewing a president who was forced to resign would be a tough assignment for any man. Sheen pulls this role off with flying colors. His most effective moment comes late in the film when an unlikely conversation completely changes his outlook on the grueling interview sessions. Through the early portions of the picture were not entirely sure what road Frost is taking. Is he just going through the motions for the money and exposure or does he consider the interview one of monumental importance. Once he takes part in this pivotal conversation, the real Frost comes to the surface, and that's when the gloves come off.

In the other corner, we have the wily, well seasoned veteran/adversary. Richard Nixon. As Tricky Dick, Frank Langella paints an iconic portrait of a lonely and disgraced, but highly intelligent man who, even after resigning as president, still had a lot of fight left in him. Watching his Nixon get inside his opponent's head, is one of the many joys of this smart and incredibly entertaining films. Langella's final moment in the picture is a heartbreaker. When we reach the conclusion of Frost/Nixon, we don't necessarily approve of Nixon's actions, but we ultimately see him for what he is–a human being. And as we all know, human beings make mistakes. Langella's extraordinary ability to inject humanity into the role of this flawed but compelling politician really makes this film soar. This is a mesmerizing performance. Certainly one the best of Langella's career.

Watching these men square off against each other is a hell of a lot of fun, particularly during the final climatic interview. It's riveting and entertaining, and it reminded me a bit of Tom Cruise Vs. Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men, only this movie resonates more because it's based in truth, and because the two men going at each other are so complex.

The supporting cast ain't too shabby either. Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt, and Matthew Macfadyen, are solid as Frost's homework team, while Kevin Bacon and Toby Jones do terrific work as Nixon's advisors. The beautiful Rebecca Hall is luminous in a rather thankless role as Frost's love interest. It would have been nice had their been a little more meat and importance to her character but I suppose a woman's touch never hurts.

Beyond the obvious focal point of Frost/Nixon, the film is also an interesting look at the power of television and an insightful glimpse into the rigors of preparing for a big time interview–from both sides. Frost/Nixon manages to be provocative, entertaining, and surprisingly intense, even if you're fully aware of how it's going to end. Ron Howard's CREATIVE touch is a big key to the film's overall success. Furthermore, this outstanding director deserves props for not over dramatizing the proceedings. There is no artificial melodrama here. This film is subtle and everything feels authentic. Frost/Nixon may be a small, intimate film but it sure packs a powerful punch. This is one of the best films of the year.