Coach Carter (DVD)

Coach Carter is the true story of a coach Ken Carter who went into a high school in the slums and had such great influence over his team that not only did they become good basketball players, but more importantly, they became great academic students. He refused to accept less from them, and ultimately they rose to his expectations. He is a remarkable man, and this movie does a great job of portraying his personality, battles, and successes.  Samuel L. Jackson plays the role of Coach Ken Carter.

As a teacher, I found this movie to quickly become one of my all time favorites. I love it so much that I've even bought an edited version (the language in this movie is outrageous) so that I can show it to my students. The story behind this movie - the impacts of a coach, a coach that stresses the importance of an education, it all really gets to me every time I watch it.  I have even recommended that our coaches all have to watch it over and over and over until the message sinks in. :)  In all seriousness though, this is a great movie with great acting. I'd give it two thumbs up every time I was asked.