Coach Carter (2005)

Coach Carter sees a local Richmond businessman, Ken Carter, take over coaching the local high school basketball team. As poor academic performance and attitude get in the way of the game Coach Carter benches the entire team. As the players work to get back onto the court, their new coach tries to show them that they could have a future beyond basketball and the streets of Richmond.

Overall Review Score

8 out of 10

Review

Inspired by the true story of Richmond High School Basketball Coach Ken Carter, who gained notoriety in 1999 for benching his undefeated basketball team, due to poor academic results, Coach Carter is a visually appealing, story driven film that engages the audience very early on and never lets them give up. While the basketball scenes and sense of team working coupled with the acting performances from all the cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Channing Tatum and Rick Gonzalez is breathtaking, the films use of music, character development and the right balance of pace makes this one to remember. Coach Carter hits home on so many different levels and will easily mean different things to different audiences. Overall, the speech given by Timo Cruz (Rick Gonzalez) sums up this film and the biggest lesson the audience will take away from it. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Reviewer 1's score & comments:

Score: 8 out of 10

Comments:

Based on an incredible true story Coach Carter is an enjoyable film to watch. With great acting by both the main and supporting cast, it really portrays the message that no matter what your aims are, through hard work and perseverance you can achieve them.

Reviewer 2's score & comments:

Score: 8 out of 10

Comments:

Coach Carter is an unusual sports film in the sense that it effortlessly blends character development with adrenaline charged basketball scenes to create a well-rounded film. The premise of the picture that good academic grades and a determination to work hard can lead to basketball and academic success is an interesting idea, which leaves the audience pondering if it will succeed. Overall, the film is enjoyable, engaging and entertaining. The only issue with the film is that after watching it you may have 'Richmond Rich What!' stuck in your head.

#drama #samuelljackson #channingtatum