Even if you don't like basketball...

Rating: 10/10 (17 January 2005)

you'll love this movie! It is a classic old school battle between students (players) and teacher (in this case coach), but it really hits home on some of the major obstacles facing our youth today. It is a wonderful film that offers an array of solutions, extreme as they may be.
Early on the film begins with coach Carter slamming one of his belligerent new players into the gym wall only to hear the player whine "teachers aren't supposed to touch students." The rest of the film proves how teachers and coaches can touch students in other than physical ways to effect positive growth and change.
Ever wanted to know what goes on at the high school dance? This movie holds no punches in showing what is hot and what is not when it comes to todays dances and parties. This might jar some memories!
In the end, this film is a lot more than the typical "you can succeed when things are really tough" film. In fact, the ending is not exactly what I anticipated. Although the film is built around some very good basketball action, the center focus is on the growing up process, accountability, parent involvement, and the idea that ones actions really do have consequences that effect not only themselves, but those they hold dear. And yes, in the end success that goes beyond the scoreboard.
I loved it!