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| Movie Name: |
Shooter |
| Grade: |
B+ |
| Date Posted: |
4/30/07 |
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Pride
Like the cavalcade of Disney sports movies that arrive almost every January (“Remember The Titans,” “Miracle,” “Glory Road”), the new movie “Pride” follows the formula, pours on the schmaltz and even contains a chant one would find in a Steven Spielberg film. But all that means nothing since, like those above Disney films, it is executed so flawlessly, so earnestly, so inspiringly, that you enjoy every frame.
In 1964, racism and an unchecked temper prevent swimmer Jim Ellis (past Oscar nominee, Terrence Howard) from competing in a meet. A scrimmage with local cops puts a smudge on this proud African-American’s record.
Ten years later, despite graduating from college with a bachelors of science degree, Jim finds himself out of work. He fills a janitorial position at a Philadelphia recreation center. The local boys play hoops in the yard, but no one enters the center, therefore the city has set to close the building. Jim figures a reputation could save the center, giving the community a renewed sense of honor. He talks the boys into forming a swim team and after many lessons; they go against the wealthy white country club in a meet. Ten years may have passed, but racial discrimination has only taken baby steps and Jim comes face to face with the same cruelty as before.
First time director Sunu Gonera captures the oppressive heat and despair of the inner city, an illustration of the neighborhood’s plight, an obstacle that Jim and his team triumphantly ignore. He also shoots fantastic diving and swimming sequences.
The script by newcomers Kevin Michael Smith and Michael Gozzard veers dangerously close to clichés and somehow never goes over the line. The dialogue is so spirited and so sincerely conveyed by the cast that the audience cheers this team at every turn. It, unfortunately, stretches the suspension of belief (even for a true story) that a local kingpin’s greatest revenge would be to urinate in a pool, but the film gets extra points for demonstrating how even heroes have ramifications for misdeeds.
The film’s biggest asset is Howard, a magnetic personality. Solemn, compelling, with a disarming smile, Howard continues down his road to stardom with this charismatic performance.
Bernie Mac, as the curmudgeon who becomes Howard’s man Friday, masters the cold stare to humorous results.
“Pride” is nothing new, but with a self-assured script, stylized direction and a winning cast, it fills even the most despondent with verve. Grade: B+
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| Posted by: bouynxdor |
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