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| Movie Review |
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The Heart of the Game
- In theaters June 14th, 2006
- Rated PG-13 for brief strong language
- 5 out of 5
COMPLETE REVIEW BELOW
Review by Jennifer Pflughaupt
"Heart of the Game" is an extraordinary documentary
exhibiting the true blood, sweat and tears of girl's
high school basketball. Going into this film, I was
expecting another mediocre, stereotypical story of a
high schooler who's hopes and dreams were limited to
the self-serving limelight that athletes are grasping
for today. But, much to my surprise, this film is
hardly that at all. It is a heartfelt, inside look at the
dynamic relationships between the young teammates
and unusual coach.
The Roosevelt Rough Riders from Seattle, Washington
just got a new unlikely coach - a tax law professor
from the nearby university. "Heart of the Game"
follows Coach Bill's first seven years of his career at
Roosevelt High. The players are talented and the
team is extraordinary with a reputation of winning.
The first season he is head coach, Bill Ressler, drills
the team like they have never been drilled before.
Extreme running, dribbling and even contact pushing
is all part of the unorthodox exercises he has the girls
do. The team wins consistently and starts to bring in
more fans than the boys teams. Imagine that! If
only that could happen with the WNBA!
Season two approaches the Rough Riders and a new
player is on the court; a freshman with an attitude,
but with the confidence and the heart for the game.
Her name is Darnellia Russel. With this new player
comes a new focus in the documentary. Darnellia is
a girl from the other side of the tracks, literally. She
was in the district to go to Garfield High and her
coaches and family thought it best for her go to
Roosevelt High so she could have a better chance at
not only a future in basketball but in academics and
life as a whole.
The story progresses with an amazing pace and you
don't get bored for one second. Coach Bill and the
entire team are not only mind-boggling to watch, but
are delightfully entertaining. I laughed so much I
snorted at one point! (Okay, maybe I shouldn't admit
that I snort, but now you get the point.) There are
some dark moments that display the honest issues
girls in high school go through and some controversy
that weighs heavily on the your heart. Darnellia, Bill
and the rest of the Roosevelt Rough Riders, no
matter what season, are an inspiration to us
all. "Heart of the Game" is a must see for any girl in
jr. high or high school who plays or played sports,
and guys, you'll love it too. I give this film 5 piranha
out of 5! "Heart of the Game" is rated PG-13 for brief
strong language.
Jennifer is married to a rockstar and is a "free"lance
film fanatic.
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