Thanks mainly to his (Jackson) considerable presence, Coach Carter works more effectively than expected.
60
L.A. WeeklyErnest Hardy
L.A. WeeklyErnest Hardy
The corniness and predictability feel, if not quite fresh, then not so groaningly stale.
58
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Jackson, though, does lend this earnest formula flick a core of conviction.
50
The A.V. ClubNathan Rabin
The A.V. ClubNathan Rabin
Coach Carter eventually curdles into a grim love letter to discipline and accountability, which makes it the perfect sports film for W.'s second term, but not a whole lot of fun.
Director Thomas Carter (no relation to Ken) relies on processed emotion and stock characters, and not even the inevitable Big Game excites us very much.