Gymnasium Jungle.

Rating: Null/10 (16 April 2005)

A Los Angeles sporting goods store owner (Samuel L. Jackson) becomes the head coach of a local high school basketball team in the inner-city. Jackson creates chaos as he holds his players to stricter academic standards than the normal student. The reason---to help his kids get into colleges and out of the rough neighborhood. Flashes of "Hoosiers" here, but actually much more like Richard Brooks' "Blackboard Jungle" as Jackson proves to be a tough cookie that can handle his team when few others would even try. Somewhat uneven and definitely too long, but still a strong production. Jackson's part is the greatest element found within. 4 stars out of 5.