A retiring basketball coach for an under-performing high school team in a rough part of Richmond, CA turns the reigns over to a new coach with a radical idea - require the players to perform in the classroom in order to play on the court. While Coach Carter (a former star player for Richmond High) guides the team to a 12-0 start to the season, the team doesn't hold up their end of the bargain in the classroom. So, the coach decides to cancel all games until their grade point averages rise to the agreed upon level. Of course, since the team was on their way to the state championship tournament, this is met with a huge amount of resistance from the players, parents and even the school board. However, the coach has a point to make and he's not easily swayed.
Great film! This was based on the true story of the 1999 Richmond High basketball team and their trailblazing coach. Samuel L. Jackson was perfect for the part of Coach Carter and the film was fascinating to watch. It was amazing to see that a basketball coach stood up for education when everyone seemed to be against him; including the school board who voted to end the lockout and let the players play despite their low grades. In a school where only about 50% of the students graduate high school (let alone attend college), with Coach Carter's tutelage, 6 players went on to college after graduating. Rarely a dull moment; great story, great acting, great message.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Ashanti, Robert Ri'chard, Rob Brown
I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.
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