Lburgess-754-643003 Whatever happened to the young men that won the competition?Did they go on to bigger and better things?Did they give back to the community? Focus was on the coach and changing a neighborhood for the better, so what happened to the first fledglings? The movie sets a goal at showing how one person can make a difference for the better through positive influence. The fact that a person changes while instituting change is demonstrated. Self aggrandizing is never acceptable, which the coach had to learn the hard way. Selfless actions and selfish/egocentric actions are more than evident.

Objectivity I checked IMDb : 3.9 score. Then I worked out this was a "black" film, or, translated, an inspiring film where the main subjects are black but which can be inspiration to anyone out there. And "black" films hardly ever get scores above 5, so I decided to take it out anyhow and see it for myself.What a film. What a performance from Terrence Howard, yet again - this man doesn't know what bad acting is; whatever the film, the Oscar winning CRASH, the revenge thriller with Jodie Foster, THE BRAVE ONE, John Singleton's FOUR BROTHERS, or HUSTLE & FLOW, this guy shows he is one of the best actors around.Whatever your colour, simply put your Objective hat on and let yourself be inspired - you'll go to bed dreaming, feeling good, moved, inspired. Brilliant.

gufodotto In fact this movie isn't great. it isn't that bad either. certainly, it is not a 2.6 - 3.2 movie. more like a 6.5. I'd vote 10 just to bring up the average. But it would be silly. let's give it a 7.Back to the movie, though, it's one of the few where swimming is featured, instead of the statutory American sports. A nice change. I didn't know of Jim Ellis, and don't know if its team really managed to win the city championship after just a few month's training. It looks unlikely to me.Yet, the film is watchable, and it nicely shows that real people aren't (morally) black or white.

DJJOEINC Pride -Charming movie based on the true story of Jim Ellis.Jim Ellis took an ailing rec center in downtown Philly in the 70s and put together a competitive swim team.Terrence Howard plays Jim Ellis - and I will be honest- he is why I watched the movie-Howard is captivating-a mixture of charisma,anger and beguiling charm.This movie is a relentless cliché machine- it hit's every sports movie note that it should- and it manages to work in spite of itself or because Howard elevates the material.Helmed by first time director Sunu Gonera- the movie works because of the authentic South Philly soul soundtrack and an engaging cast of teen actors.I have seen this movie before( I think the underdog sports movie is the male version of the romantic comedy)- or rather several other movies that mix race,sports and coming together to achieve a goal in spite of overwhelming odds.Not my first choice for a rewatching or a rental- but not a terrible choice for family viewing.The DVD has a deleted scene(an awkward scene with Bernie Mac as the chaperone in a seedy motel with the swim teen) and an informative but monotone commentary by the director.The movie was filmed in New Orleans in order to capture the ghetto feel of 70s Philadelphia- and it does- but gives an idea how messed up Nawlins is after Katrina.The movie suffers during the second and third act when conflict seems to be inserted cinematically and manages to deter from the gritty Philly that the filmmaker was trying to capture.Based on a true story this movie succeeds in bringing a lump to my throat during the swim meet scenes and when we see the adverse conditions and retro attitudes of the competing teams.A solid movie for family viewing- although it is hokey and predictable - it is entertaining due to another strong performance by Terrence Howard and a strong supporting cast. C-