Coach Carter

Despite the fact that there's a tonne of inspirational movies out there and a tone that end up in the same way... I liked this movie.

Yes, it was inspirational. But it was also based on a true story. The way I see it, it's telling a tale of how someone helped a group of kids find themselves and become better people. To set them on the correct path. It's not something that you can shrug off saying "yeah, one of those movies... the team loses in the end" rather, it's about the journey of how they got there.

Regardless of the outcome, you need to look a little deeper. Samuel L Jackson plays a compelling coach. His words just resonated and it made you feel his feelings. It depicted his true intentions and how he wanted to set a positive example for future generations. I thought the movie was great.

I especially loved the poem that was recited. The poem was by Marianne Williamson.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we subconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- From A RETURN TO LOVE written by Marianne Williamson

Absolutely moving.

But the movie wasn't just about the coach. There were so many little sub plots with each character. Themes like giving up, drugs, pregnancy and abortion, responsibility, loyalty... and so many others.

If you're up for a feel good inspirational movie, then definitely watch it. But if you're sick of all the cliche stories and endings... then just watch it for the basketball ;p

IMDB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393162/
Apple Trailers: http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/coach_carter/