Feel good story about overcoming the odds, and basketball

Rating: Null/10 (8 December 2005)

I attended a VIP screening and really enjoyed the movie. I had low expectations when I entered the theater, the movie is about basketball (I am not a sports fan), and I haven't been very impressed with Disney recently, so I wasn't expecting much. What I got was a wonderful story about the racial implications of an integrated basketball team in the south, during the tumultuous '60's. I recognized the actor who played the coach from his role in Sweet Home Alabama, but was happy to see excellent performances from actors I had not heard of before. Hopefully, this movie will be a breakthrough role for some of them.
The film fostered discussion of current race relations, opportunities, and sports over drinks afterwards. It was an excellent reminder of the fight many faced daily to secure Civil Rights that many of my generation take for granted.
Overall, a great film I would recommend to anyone. This movie is appropriate for young children (mature 5 years and older), although some discussion of why some "bad" people in the movie did "mean" things may be necessary. A little boy about 6 behind me said, "Mom, that was a good movie, I almost cried." Also, keep and eye out in the beginning of the film for the real Coach Haskins, he cameos at a gas station.
Selene