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Coach Carter

Play trailer 2:23 Poster for Coach Carter PG-13 Released Jan 14, 2005 2h 16m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 145 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
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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Coach Carter

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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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Critics Reviews

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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

Audience Reviews

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Jay W What an amazing, inspiring and beautiful movie. Definitely my favorite sports movie of all time. It is such a compelling story, due to the message and events that take place within this film. Coach Carter, played by one of the greats: Samuel Jackson, is a basketball coach, but wants a lot more than just success in the sport, he wants these students to succeed academically as well. Due to the way life is around their neighborhood, Richmond California, school is definitely not a priority for the people. This mentality is what keeps students behind in society. But basketball for the lucky ones who get to have this privilege, is the only place in their lives where they can shine bright and show the world what they can do. This is a very interesting conflict we see throughout the entirety of the movie. We see what society expects of them, versus what they can really accomplish. first with the students, but also with school staff and the parents as well. We slowly see these students evolve from gangster rebellious teens, into mature young adults, by the teachings of coach Carter. We also get to see different perspectives on some of the lifestyles from within the community, such as Kenyon, played by Rob Brown, having early pregnancy slash relationship issues. And Timo Cruz, played by Rick Gonzalez, having gang affiliated issues. This just builds depth, and also a better understanding of the world around them for us, the viewers, outside of the court. What an amazing and lively performance by these young actors. Rick Gonzalez, Rob Brown, Antwon Tanner, Channing Tatum, Robert Ri'chard and Nana Gbewonyo. Their acting just feels so natural and realistic, love to see it. What an amazing watch, definitely recommend. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/03/25 Full Review Robson C Ken Carter é convidado a ser o treinador do time de basquete do Colégio Richmond. Ele aceita e aplica um método de trabalho que leva o time à vitória, porém acaba levando a entrar em conflito com os jogadores, a direção, os professores e os pais. Coach Carter, com certeza, não é apenas mais um filme de um treinador que acerta um time perdedor e o torna vencedor. Na verdade é um filme mais sobre motivação pessoal. Carter sabia que ser apenas um jogador de basquete não era o bastante. Aqueles jovens deveriam ter mais oportunidades. Não apenas jogar basquete, mas também fazer uma faculdade para ter algo mais. Além do bom elenco dos que fazem os jogadores, como Channing Tatum e Rick Gonzalez, o filme é feito para que Samuel L. Jackson brilhe e ele não perde a oportunidade. O filme peca por não desenvolver mais os jogadores, tirando os personagens Kenyon (com a gravidez da namorada) e Cruz (sobre uma vida no crime), para os demais são jogadas algumas informações que não são aproveitadas, como o pai do Lyle estar preso e a dislexia do Battle. No fim, o que talvez seria o ponto alto da história, a paralisação dos treinos e jogos por Carter para que os seus jogadores melhorassem a nota, foi muito rápido, podendo levar a mais discussão dentro do filme: uma carreira que se sabe curta no esporte ou o investimento em uma educação que os levassem mais longe? Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/18/25 Full Review Nyoka R EXCELLENT FILM!! 10/10 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/12/25 Full Review Penelope Y It’s hard to imagine anyone but Samuel L. Jackson in the role of Coach Carter. He embodies the perfect balance between a respectable gentleman and a no-nonsense basketball coach, delivering a performance that feels both authentic and commanding. While instilling purpose and the value of education in a community that seems to have lost all hope against a bureaucratic system, his story resonates even more deeply. The fact that the film is based on a true story adds further weight and impact to its message- an absolute must-watch. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/10/25 Full Review fernando o Very emotional, samuel Jackson's performance is fantastic Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review Matthew D Samuel L. Jackson is phenomenal as the stern and concerned Coach Ken Carter. Director Thomas Carter’s sports drama Coach Carter (2005) has held up beautifully with its dedication to the well being of students at any cost. Coach Carter takes the positive messaging of sincerely believing in a brighter future for yourself of poor kids out of Dangerous Minds, applying yourself academically from To Sir with Love, trusting in your coach from Hoosiers, and using teamwork right out of Remember the Titans. Coach Carter features strong acting from a very natural ensemble. Everyone feels invested in making these characters feel real and the message feels crucial. It is still an inspiring story. I really appreciate Thomas Carter’s direction that focuses on the serious dramatic conversations Coach Carter has with his basketball team about their learning, respect, confidence, teamwork, dedication, fitness, positivity, pride, kindness, and choices. Writers Mark Schwahn and John Gatins do a particularly great job of making Carter feel smart, serious, stern, but also genuinely considerate of the potential future for each boy on his team. He wants them to become men and find a path to walk in life. Coach Carter is wildly underrated now as it really hits home that a student and parent should be concerned with the kid’s academics and not just their sports career. It’s all important. Samuel L. Jackson is absolutely absorbing as the formidable Coach Ken Carter, who does not suffer fools and never gives up on his students. Jackson takes this movie so seriously that he brings real gravitas to Coach Carter. His every word feels like a precious moment of good advice, smart wisdom, and measured warnings. He’s a great role model in general in this movie. Robert Ri’chard is great as Coach Carter’s steadfast son Damien Carter, who swears to keep up his grades and tries to uplift his team. Rob Brown is excellent as the more mature baller Kenyon Stone, who is trying to choose between being a father and a ball player in college. Ashanti is amazing as Kyra, who loves Kenyon, but also is considering her own future. Rick Gonzalez is moving as the troubled youth Timo Cruz, who is going to end up as a drug dealer unless Coach Carter can motivate him to stay in school and play ball. Nana Gbewonyo is amazing as Junior Battle, who can play well, but struggles to read, cope with his dead brother, and gain the motivation to try to apply himself in class. Octavia Spencer is fabulous as Junior’s concerned mother Mrs. Willa Battle. Antwon Tanner is very strong as Worm, who is funny, but also deflects his pain and insecurities with humor. Channing Tatum is fun as the lively Jason Lyle, who struggles with the fact that his father is in jail. Debbi Morgan is nice as Coach Carter’s supportive wife Tonya Carter. Vincent Laresca is sinister and raw as Renny the drug dealer. Denise Dowse goes from a foil to a supportive figure as Principal Garrison, who never believed in the potential of her students. Mel Winkler is honest as Coach White. In all, Coach Carter is an entertaining movie elevated by Samuel L. Jackson’s standout performance. However, I’ve come to really appreciate the genuine attempt to motivate kids to apply themselves in school and seek a higher education and better for themselves. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/29/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Coach Carter

Coach Carter: Official Clip - The Final Shot Coach Carter: Official Clip - The Final Shot 1:55 Coach Carter: Official Clip - Push-Ups and Suicides Coach Carter: Official Clip - Push-Ups and Suicides 2:07 Coach Carter: Official Clip - Richmond vs. Bay Hill Coach Carter: Official Clip - Richmond vs. Bay Hill 2:04 Coach Carter: Official Clip - Not Your Storybook Ending Coach Carter: Official Clip - Not Your Storybook Ending 2:13 Coach Carter: Official Clip - Timeout Pep Talk Coach Carter: Official Clip - Timeout Pep Talk 1:56 Coach Carter: Official Clip - Come-from-Behind Win Coach Carter: Official Clip - Come-from-Behind Win 2:11 Coach Carter: Official Clip - Our Deepest Fear Coach Carter: Official Clip - Our Deepest Fear 1:59 Coach Carter: Official Clip - First Practice Coach Carter: Official Clip - First Practice 2:12 Coach Carter: Official Clip - A Better Life Coach Carter: Official Clip - A Better Life 2:09 View more videos
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Movie Info

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
Producer
Brian Robbins, Michael Tollin
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
Runtime
2h 16m
Sound Mix
Dolby SRD, DTS, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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