Movie: Coach Carter

When I saw the trailer for Coach Carter, I knew immediately that I wanted to see it; not necessarily in a theater but definitely on video. It turns out that it didn’t take long for the movie to take that trip.

I’m a huge fan of basketball. I grew up in Kentucky after all. But other than Hoosiers every single basketball themed movie has disappointed. My hopes were high when I put the DVD into place. Now that it’s over I have to tell Coach Carter, “I’m sorry sir. I know Hoosiers, and you are no Hoosiers.”

First of all, let me say the film did have a few touching moments. Most memorable was when hard-core gangster Cruz came crying into Coach’s arms after his cousin was murdered. But on the whole it was too formulaic. “Troubled kids performing poorly meet strict but inspiring leader who leads them to victory.” Perhaps I’m just getting old, but little surprised me in this film. Yet, if you are a big fan of the game you might enjoy it.

5.5 out of 10