Denzel Washington & Will Patton on top form

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2004)

I just watched this film this afternoon and boy was I surprised how all it takes is a great story to make such a great film. Stories like this are not made up, they're written in history. Its about a black man (Washington) taking over as coach from a white man (Patton) of a High School back in the early 70's in Alexandria, Virginia. As you can imagine the whites do not take too friendly to this, especially when Patton's character is a championship coach. Denzels task of then trying to make a winning team is clearly hardened as both sides (blacks & whites) of the community are split down the center.
But Denzel does more than get the team talking to each other in this heart warming film. He brings the whole community together in Alexandria. Of course this film is about football but the strong theme of racism and how to overpower it really does overshadow this, making it not just enjoyable by sports fans. The story is predictable at times but it's the journey that you go on in the film is what matters.
This is a real heart warming story that should leave everyone feeling good at the end, recommended for everyone.
8* out 10