Coach Carter (2005)

Tough Teaching

I watched this in April, 2006 

Synopsis – An alum returns to a tough school as its new head basketball coach and promptly disrupts the status quo by setting down basic rules of respect and hard work.  The plot deepens as his will is tested by players and parents alike and the multitude of problems looks to derail his plans to return a sense of self-respect to the program.  Like most great
Hollywood films, it has to turn out right in the end, but the journey is an interesting ride. 

What I Disliked – It is always tough to believe the hype that one man can truly turn around so much cultural baggage.  A more honest depiction would have had him see the start to success only to find himself out of the place due to the inept but highly efficient bureaucracy that modern public education is.  That is more my own cynicism than known reality, I will admit, but that is what did not ring true.  Some of the characters were fairly undeveloped as well, but two hours is a limited amount of time.  What I Liked – The two pillars of his program work for me as well: personal responsibility and hard work will take any young man a long way.  And I love that it is so easily seen by our culture in the area of athletics, but then forgotten in many ways when brought to the classroom.  The tail does not wag the dog.  And the plot aspect where the team helped to redeem the one wayward teammate was very well done.  It fit and was eloquently drawn out enough to get you cheering by the resolution.  This film highlighted many of the reasons for having physical training in a school, and requiring all to be a part of it. 

Would I recommend it and to whom? – Yes, especially to coaches and teachers. 

Nov. 1, 2006

~ by u2isgr8 on November 1, 2006.