The Digest
Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) a former two-time All American, is faced with a dilemma. His once stellar high school has hit a rough patch. The school is festering with crime; graduation rates are down; and positive test scores are virtually non-existent; and the basketball team is on a losing streak. It is with this that his former basketball coach comes to him for help. His coach wants him to step in and turn things around.
Ken has to think long and hard about this. He is a single father raising a son and he has a business to run. He is committed to making sure his son, Damien (Robert Ri'Chard) graduates with honors. His son attends a prep school and plays basketball- how can he still support his son, run his business and coach for a team across town?
Coach Carter agrees to take on the challenge, but with a heavy heart and serious requirements. The boys must maintain a 2.3 GPA; sit in the front of the class; wear ties on game day; and perform community service. His son negotiates with his dad to allow him to attend Richmond high and play basketball there and with hard work everything should run smoothly, right? Wrong.
The boys are insolent and disrespectful and beyond out of shape. Plus most of the boys are failing. The first thing to do is get their grades up. Then they have to get in shape. Each infraction means running suicides and doing push ups. In the end it all pays off because the team quickly becomes undefeated. But their season comes to a screeching halt when the coach discovers that the boys are failing. Much to the dismay of the administration, players, community, and parents - he promptly locks the gym and forfeits games until their grade come back up.
Will everyone support the coach and what he is doing or will everyone place sports above academics?
The Dish
This is an amazing story about an amazing man. I laughed and I cried. I cheered and I booed. What a much needed and inspirational movie this is. Some people have been quick to criticize it as full of stereotypes. Some also criticize it for being preachy. I disagree 100 percent. Sometimes the truth is the truth even when it is not politically correct. And when you are being told the right thing, you are not always being preached to. Remember that.
Rob Brown, Nana Gbewonyo, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri'Chard, Antwon Tanner, Channing Tatum, Ashanti all turn in wonderful performances. They each have a glorious road in front of them - especially Rick Gonzalez. But personally, as great as the young cast was, this is the best I've seen Samuel L. Jackson since Changing Lanes . If he is not recognized for this role, it will be a shame. I hope Paramount does the right thing and re-releases this towards the end of the year so people will remember this performance.
The Directive
This is a movie that everyone can and should enjoy. Take your children so the can see the importance of education over sports and the importance of loving, believing in and respecting yourself.
Slam dunk.
back to top
Copyright Kamal "The Diva" Larsuel-Ulbricht, 2005
EMAIL: thediva@3blackchicks.com
ICQ: 8690410
http://www.3blackchicks.com/
Use the feedback form below to send your comments to The
Diva
Rated PG -13; running time of 136 minutes