Fundamental Movie

Rating: 6/10 (15 January 2006)

Greetings again from the darkness. If you are looking for a history lesson on the truly amazing story of Don Haskins and his 1966 Texas Western basketball championship team, then the closest you will get is the closing credits which feature quotes from Don Haskins, Pat Reilly and the real TWU players. If you are in the mood for a feel-good, underdog story presented in full Jerry Bruckheimer mode then "Glory Road" aims to please.
First time director James Gartner shows some attention to detail but admittedly takes some creative license while presenting the story of the first all black team to win a NCAA championship. Of course the team was not all black, but coach Don Haskins made the decision to play only black players in this historic game. The best part of the film is watching Josh Lucas as Don Haskins and Jon Voight as Adolph Rupp stalk the sidelines during the big game. Lucas with his gut and mannerisms and Voight with his pompous poses really capture the essence of the public image of these two men. Also, Red West (former Elvis bodyguard) does a nice job as Ross.
There are many other parts I don't really understand. Emily Deschanel is totally wasted as Haskins' wife. Most of the black players look at least 5 years too old for college. In fact, Derek Luke ("Antwone Fisher") is almost 32 years old. Also, the time frame for Haskins at Texas Western is quite misleading. None of those really matter in a glossy Hollywood production, but they do matter when presenting history.
Nothing at all wrong with the crowd-pleasing, root-for-the-underdog movie, although it is a bit frustrating when it deals so lightly with historic facts. Also, don't miss Don Haskins as the gas station attendant who asks Lucas is he wants his tank filled up and definitely stay for the closing credits.