Oh no, not another basketball picture! Haven't we had enough of them? Yes we have, BUT, this is not a basketball picture. It is much, much more than that and I loved it! There is an age old formula for movies when they deal with youngsters. Teach them about life and make sure the picture has enough "messages" in it and you can't go wrong. Both of the above were in this story and they were covered in a way that was both entertaining and thought provoking. Richmond High in Richmond California is a tough school in a very tough part of town. The school's academic standards are a joke and so is their basketball team. They have plenty of talent but no discipline and a very low grade point average. Their present coach (Mel Winkler...Devil In A Blue Dress...1995) is getting old and can't seem to get the job done so the search for a new coach heats up. Up steps Ken Carter (Sam Jackson), Richmond resident, local sporting goods store owner, Richmond High basketball alumni (with umpteen school records) and father of a hell of a good basketball player who attends a private school. He steps into an almost impossible task- make students of athletes and make men of boys. The school is against him, the parents are against him and the kids hate him. Good luck! Of course you know he does it but it's the WAY that he pulls it off that makes this story and picture what it is. Sam Jackson was perfectly cast as I can think of very few that could have convinced me the way he did. Also, Rob Brown (Finding Forester...2000), Ashanti (Gorgeous!), and Rick Gonzalez (The Rookie...2002) convincingly showed the problems that plague high school students in today's America (especially California). But, the three biggest stars of the picture were Diane, Linda and Dalilah. You'll have to see the picture to meet them. This was a well told story and well directed picture by Thomas Carter. One that I may see again. Soon! "What's your deepest fear?" RECOMMENDATION: A great lesson on honor, loyalty and effort. Aside from some bad language (nothin' they ain't heard before) this picture can teach a lot to kids.......and grown folks too. Go see it. TWO SKY HOOKS AND A SLAM DUNK, THUMBS UP!!! (Dribblin' all the way!) Visit the Coach Carter website Movie Review © 2005 by Terry Anderson |
