An amazing true story is done justice by a great film

Rating: Null/10 (21 February 2006)

I know some people who actually lived the events portrayed at TC Williams High. Although there is some amount of liberties taken with characters and events, the essence is true. It was a historic event that took place w/o the notice of most of the rest of the country. So much courage displayed by all those young men on the team as well as their coaches.
The film is so well done, thank God. It would have been a shame for one more amazing true event to be despoiled by a poor script and film translation (aka - Cameron's silly, sentimental "Titanic". Real life and destiny provided more amazing and profound stories that would have riveted us all to the screen and perhaps taught us something. Cameron goes for lowest common denominator, overworking special effects and writing the most superficial story that had been done a million times before and far better. Plus poor direction of some very talented actors made it all the more boring.) None of that can be said about Titans. Story, direction, editing, acting, cinematography, music are all so well done. But indeed the film rests on the telling of the tale and the performers.
Denzel is at his best in one more over-looked Oscar-winning caliber portrayal. Also excellent in far more than support is Will Patton as Bill Yoast. Patton is a terrific actor who always turns in an excellent performance regardless of the role (from great films like "No Way Out" to duds like "The Postman".) The cast of the youthful actors on the team round out the depth of the tale and bring us a variety of characters that are both entertaining and deeply moving. The friendship that develops between Gary Bertier (Ryan Hurst) and Julius Campbell (Wood Harris) becomes the heart and soul of the film. These young actors in particular carry much of the film through their honest and intimate portrayal. This is another cast where all turn in terrific performances from the leads to the minor roles. (Case in point Mike Pniewski's great bit with Wood Harris.) I've seen this film a number of times always enjoying it.