Predictable, but thoroughly enjoyable

Rating: 8/10 (4 July 2005)

For its genre - the high school uplifting turnaround - this is a good example. Samuel L. Jackson delivers a solid and believable performance. The members of the team are also believable, and the story is definitely uplifting. There are no major surprises.
One of the things I look for most, especially with big name actors like Jackson, is whether I believe that they are the character while I'm watching the movie, or whether I'm seeing the actor portraying the character. Jackson is totally believable as Coach Carter.
This movie includes enough drama, including vignettes focusing on the lives of some of the players, to keep it interesting throughout.