Grade: B+
Every now and then comes a powerful and moving movie that makes you thankful for changes that have been made before our time. Glory Road is one of those.
Set in the mid-sixties in a segregated America, Glory Road recounts the true story of Texas Western University basketball coach Don Haskins, as he struggles against social judgement to bring the best basketball players to his school, in spite of their skin color. Sacrificing his family’s comfort, Haskins moves to El Paso, Texas, to live with his wife and three kids in a dorm room and pursue his passion for the sport he was once planning to play professionally. Through frictions between races and social classes, friendships develop, tight bonds form and changes are being made.
Although he has so far been cast mostly in supporting roles, Josh Lucas delivers a career-defining performance in the lead. Chances are that his career will take off to new heights after this movie. His part was allegedly offered to Ben Affleck, but he had to turn it down because of schedule conflicts. The young men that comprise the basketball team are poignant in re-enacting the struggles their ancestors have undergone, and one they are most likely still experiencing.
In his highly promising directorial debut, James Gartner provides audiences with an adrenaline rush that somehow beats attending a live basketball game.
Charming its audience with the rhythm of the greatest hits of the Motown-era, the movie grabs viewers as they embark on a thrilling fun ride. In the same vein as Remember the Titans and The Rookie – amongst others – Glory Road is a lot more than just some sports movie. It is a tale of courage and determination that have made history. Some people will turn away from it in fear of being lost in sports jargon and other technical issues, and that is a shame. Although basketball is instrumental in making a social commentary, it is overpowered by the plot that will undoubtedly appeal to any audience.
Although it is somewhat predictable and heavy on the clich
Comments are closed.