A solid sports film

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2010)

Let me start by saying the best aspect of this movie besides it's factual basis is the acting. Gene Hackman was a great choice to lead the film, but the star of the show was Dennis Hopper. He was perfectly casted as an alcoholic sports fanatic, who later became the team's assistant coach. Nothing he does is surprising because everything fits to a tee exactly what he brought to the role. Hopper really brings emotion out of you and gives you a character you think of as a proud father, rather than an alcoholic bum. See this for the late Dennis Hopper alone.
Hoosiers is far from perfect. I didn't enjoy the soundtrack at all. Most of it seemed like it was taken right from Rocky IV or A Nightmare of Elm Street sequel. While the story line is a goodie, it seems to just focus on B-ball. They only go briefly through Hackman's background while also ignoring all the kids except Jimmy and Hopper's son. I believe the film would of benefited by being a little longer.
It was a powerful film that has may moments that are sure to always be in your memory. And while the basketball scenes and locker room talks tend to become cliché, the movie's secondary plot of Hopper finding himself with his son more than makes up for it.