"Rich what? Richmond!"

Rating: 7/10 (4 June 2019)

It was gratifying to watch a picture in which a black man takes a group of young teens to task for their casual use of the 'N' word, and instruct them in the value of an education to escape their poverty and unfulfilling family lives. This was made over a decade ago and things weren't as turbulent yet, but if Samuel L. Jackson came out with the same sentiments today, he'd be raked over the coals by the political correctness police. Sad, because speaking the truth about something causes an uproar in the media and gets the Twitter gang going full force, and Jackson would have to defend himself against being an Uncle Tom, or be forced to walk it back under the pretense of being sorry he offended anyone. You know the drill.
Regarding the story, it's pretty formulaic as most sports themed movies are, so the value is in the messaging mentioned earlier. I didn't know going in that the picture was based on a true story, so that makes it's lessons more accessible for viewers accustomed to feel good sports films that have no connection to reality. Just like the earlier movie "Hoosiers", this one places value on relationships, discipline, teamwork, finding the good in somebody, and ultimately, redemption. The fact that the Richmond Oilers missed out on a Cinderella, story book ending shouldn't diminish it's impact as a valuable life lesson for those in unfortunate circumstances. The team may have lost that final championship game, but they emerged winners in life.