I didn't know much about this movie and decided to watch it basically on a whim. BOY was I surprised at how great it was!
One might easily get the impression that this is just another "New Unorthodox Coach Turns Gang of Misfits Into Champions" kind of movie and one would be right... up to a point. However, at that point this movie takes off and accelerates to a much higher plane of story-telling. Characters steadily develop from people you might first despise (rude punks) into proud, respectable young men.
Yes, the movie starts out predictably enough but it only uses that "New Coach for Bad Team" cliche to get the ball rolling (or bouncing I should say).
The performances are all fantastic and mostly by relative unknowns as they were primarily cast based on their athletic abilities and it really shows. The actual game sequences are phenomenal and the actors themselves are the ones actually on the court doing those amazing things! The games are exciting and nail-biting. You really feel for the players.
But the real message of this story is in how the coach puts life lessons and education first. Even as the last-rated team becomes a top contender, that isn't enough for the coach to ignore their failing grades and over-confident, cocky attitudes. No, he sets them straight and in the end, they love him for it.
This is one of the most uplifting movies I've seen in a long time. If you love a great sports movie with a lot of heart and based on real life, then you will probably enjoy this film. Heck, even if you don't like sports you will probably enjoy it.
Definitely watch the "special features" if you can view it on DVD. It is almost as much fun as the movie... and it will make you appreciate the movie even more as well.
One might easily get the impression that this is just another "New Unorthodox Coach Turns Gang of Misfits Into Champions" kind of movie and one would be right... up to a point. However, at that point this movie takes off and accelerates to a much higher plane of story-telling. Characters steadily develop from people you might first despise (rude punks) into proud, respectable young men.
Yes, the movie starts out predictably enough but it only uses that "New Coach for Bad Team" cliche to get the ball rolling (or bouncing I should say).
The performances are all fantastic and mostly by relative unknowns as they were primarily cast based on their athletic abilities and it really shows. The actual game sequences are phenomenal and the actors themselves are the ones actually on the court doing those amazing things! The games are exciting and nail-biting. You really feel for the players.
But the real message of this story is in how the coach puts life lessons and education first. Even as the last-rated team becomes a top contender, that isn't enough for the coach to ignore their failing grades and over-confident, cocky attitudes. No, he sets them straight and in the end, they love him for it.
This is one of the most uplifting movies I've seen in a long time. If you love a great sports movie with a lot of heart and based on real life, then you will probably enjoy this film. Heck, even if you don't like sports you will probably enjoy it.
Definitely watch the "special features" if you can view it on DVD. It is almost as much fun as the movie... and it will make you appreciate the movie even more as well.