This film is worth watching. This film is worth watching. And then it's worth watching again. And then again.

Rating: 10/10 (21 August 2004)

This film is worth watching. And then it's worth watching again. And then again.
As entertainment, Remember the Titans is unique.
For starters, it's exquisitely acted and the music is nothing short of sensational -- a catchy collage of favorite oldies against a score combining sporty drumbeats and sentimental drama at appropriate plot junctures.
Then there's the touching, sometimes-cliffhanger of a true storyline.
Based on the tense experience of a Virginia city unhappily facing its first court-ordered school integration, Denzel Washington portrays the real-life Coach Hermann Boone. He acts the part with dignity and enough foibles to convince us he's a human being as well as a tough, drivingly-ambitious football coach.
Only thing is, Coach Boone, a PhD, is an African American tossed for political reasons into a formerly all-white high school arena. (Why not unleash the lions, as well, viewers might wonder?)
The school's key established team members decide not to play *for* Boone or *with* the bussed-in newbies. As if that weren't challenge enough, the old-line coaching staffers react with attitudes ranging from surly defiance to mutinous fury.
Nonetheless, Boone is expected to elevate this football team, the mighty Titans, to its first championship.
Will Patton's performance as the deposed head coach with no choice except to defer to Boone is touching, at times bordering on magnificent. Watch for changes of facial expression and body language, often so subtle they're barely perceptible, as Patton's character gradually morphs from resentment of his new head coach, to openly-expressed admiration.
The cast of young teammates turn in believable performances, each and every one. A so-called lesser supporting cast also includes brief-but-pivotal appearances such as the confused-but-compassionate hospital nurse, Alice. The gal who plays the part reacts with such perfect timing, her 15 minutes of fame are well deserved.
Even the film's final credits hold audience attention. As cast and crew names scroll by, it's fascinating to see flashed images of the young team members and their coaching staff, including Boone, and to learn what's happened to them since that tense season.
My family and friends probably rewatch the film, in part, because it restores serenity via value lessons sorely needed in a nation torn for so long by bias and illogical hatred. There's an underlying current of decency despite the horrifying strife and struggle. It's also refreshing to see good guys finishing first, thinking, "Hard to believe this really happened." (It did.)
Watch the film, then watch it again. You *will* Remember the Titans.