Coach Carter

PG-13

Released Jan 14, 2005

2 hr. 16 min.

Drama

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List

64%

149 Reviews

Tomatometer

85%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1999, Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) returns to his old high school in Richmond, California, to get the basketball team into shape. With tough rules and academic discipline, he succeeds in setting the players on a winning streak. But when their grades start to suffer, Carter locks them out of the gym and shuts down their championship season. When he is criticized by the players and their parents, he sticks to his guns, determined that they excel in class as well as on the court.

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Critics Consensus

Even though it's based on a true story, Coach Carter is pretty formulaic stuff, but it's effective and energetic, thanks to a strong central performance from Samuel L. Jackson.

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Dionisis T

An amazing basketball movie with one of the most beautiful casting and performances that no one expects to see..The plot and screenplay of the movie is simply a masterpiece and the movie definitely evokes strong emotions that push you and motivate you to keep moving!!Really, Samuel Leroy Jackson's performance was for an Oscar...

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/19/24

Full Review

Hargie M

The film's message about the transformative power of education and mentorship resonated with me on a personal level, reminding me of the importance of perseverance and believing in the potential of every individual. Coach Carter isn't just a sports movie – it's a testament to the impact that one person can have on the lives of others.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/15/24

Full Review

Xavier

Inspirational and funny how there is no reason for the dudes to turn up in suits for basketball but we still support Coach either way.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/08/24

Full Review

Mario V

Exciting movie to the end with a lot of heart. Really liked this movie. Samuel Jackson was great

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/08/24

Full Review

Ryan T

"Coach Carter" (2005), directed by Thomas Carter, is a powerful and inspirational sports drama based on the true story of Ken Carter, a high school basketball coach who made headlines for his unyielding commitment to academic excellence among his players. Played with compelling depth and gravitas by Samuel L. Jackson, Coach Carter takes a hard stance against the poor academic performance of his players at Richmond High School, despite their on-court success. His controversial decision to lock out his undefeated team from playing until they improve their grades sparks a community-wide debate on the priorities of sports over education. The film explores themes of discipline, respect, and the power of education, setting it apart from typical sports dramas. Jackson's portrayal of Ken Carter is both stern and compassionate, embodying a mentor determined to teach his players life lessons that extend far beyond the basketball court. His performance is the linchpin of the film, delivering powerful speeches that resonate with both his team and the audience. "Coach Carter" is not just a film about basketball; it delves into the personal lives of the players, many of whom face challenges like poverty, crime, and teenage parenthood. The film takes the time to develop these characters, giving the audience a vested interest in their journeys and making the team's cohesion and successes all the more rewarding. The young cast, including Rob Brown, Channing Tatum, and Ashanti, deliver authentic and heartfelt performances that contribute to the film's emotional impact. The direction by Thomas Carter is adept, balancing intense basketball action with the deeper, more introspective moments of the players' lives and Coach Carter's own challenges. The film effectively uses the sport as a backdrop to explore broader social issues, making a compelling argument for the importance of education and personal responsibility. Critically, "Coach Carter" was praised for its inspirational message and strong performances, though some criticized it for adhering to certain sports movie clichés. However, these familiar elements do not detract from the film's overall impact; if anything, they serve to reinforce the universal themes of hard work, perseverance, and the transformative power of mentorship. The film's cinematography and score complement its narrative, capturing the gritty reality of Richmond and the high stakes of high school basketball. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of hip-hop and R&B, adds a contemporary feel that aligns with the film's setting and characters. In conclusion, "Coach Carter" is a standout sports drama that transcends the genre by focusing on the educational and personal development of its characters. It's a thought-provoking and inspiring story that challenges conventional priorities in sports and education, highlighted by Samuel L. Jackson's powerful performance. The film leaves a lasting impression, advocating for the importance of accountability, integrity, and the life-changing impact of a dedicated mentor.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/22/24

Full Review

kenstar123 4

At its core, "Coach Carter" is about more than just basketball; it's about the pursuit of excellence, the importance of education, and the power of second chances. The film challenges conventional notions of success and highlights the significance of teamwork, discipline, and self-belief in overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/24

Full Review

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Thomas Carter

Director

Samuel L. Jackson

Coach Ken Carter

Robert Ri'chard

Damien Carter

Rob Brown

Kenyon Stone

Ashanti

Kyra

Debbi Morgan

Tonya

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Coach Carter: Official Clip - The Final Shot

1:55

Coach Carter: Official Clip - Push-Ups and Suicides

2:07

Coach Carter: Official Clip - Richmond vs. Bay Hill

2:04

Coach Carter: Official Clip - Not Your Storybook Ending

2:13

Coach Carter: Official Clip - Timeout Pep Talk

1:56

Coach Carter: Official Clip - Come-from-Behind Win

2:11

Coach Carter: Official Clip - Our Deepest Fear

1:59

Coach Carter: Official Clip - First Practice

2:12

Coach Carter: Official Clip - A Better Life

2:09

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Coach Carter: Trailer 1

2:23

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Engaging film with a terrific message.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 22, 2010

Full Review

J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

This is supposed to be about setting high standards, yet it's full of fudged ultimatums; in the end I couldn't be sure whether its morality was complex or just confused.

Mar 25, 2008

Full Review

Nathan Rabin

AV Club

Samuel L. Jackson shouts, yells, bellows, and screams his way through the fact-inspired film

Oct 6, 2006

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a decent-enough inspirational sports drama...

Rated: 2.5/4

Feb 18, 2023

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

The List

Despite the attraction of fluently filmed basketball sequences, director Thomas Carter's simplistic approach to the social and educational issues involved makes this vacuous MTV-produced movie fall well short of the basket.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 23, 2019

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

A quality sports drama.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 27, 2018

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

In 1999, Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) returns to his old high school in Richmond, California, to get the basketball team into shape. With tough rules and academic discipline, he succeeds in setting the players on a winning streak. But when their grades start to suffer, Carter locks them out of the gym and shuts down their championship season. When he is criticized by the players and their parents, he sticks to his guns, determined that they excel in class as well as on the court.

Director: Thomas Carter
Executive Producer: Thomas Carter
Screenwriter: Mark Schwahn
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: MTV Films, Tollin/Robbins Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Content|Language|Some Drug Material|Teen Partying|Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 14, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $67.3M
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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