4 of 4

Harry Forbes (Catholic News Service) says the film is "reasonably absorbing, and Jackson gives a compellingly tough and unsentimental performance. Though some parents may feel it's important for inner-city kids to see this inspiring story with its message extolling academic achievement and teamwork, be warned that there's a good deal of crude language … [and an] abortion subplot with its questionable moral implications."

Mavin Olasky (World) says that unlike Hoosiers, this film is "planted in today's urban culture rather than 1950s rural Indiana, which means it realistically includes bad language and dirty dancing, as well as scenes with drug dealing (including a murder) and others with sexual overtones. All that, plus an abortion subplot that takes a wrong turn and the absence of a Christian witness, will lead some parents to just say no. Others, however, will welcome a film with so much emphasis on education, hard work, and discipline."

Steven D. Greydanus (Decent Films) compares it to Million Dollar Baby (and gives away the ending to that film, so beware!). He says, "Coach Carter is definitely rougher around the edges, but it just might inspire some young viewers to think about improving their lives."

Denny Wayman and Hal Conklin (Cinema in Focus) give the film four stars. "The happy ending of Coach Carter is not that these boys become basketball heroes, but rather that they become men of self discipline, motivation and integrity, who go on to accomplish far more than they—or anyone—thought possible."

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Ken Carter made headlines when he benched his high school basketball team for failing to make the grade, a story told in Coach Carter, opening Friday. We talked to Carter about the film and his journey.