Morgan M You know, I find it a bit ridiculous that most movies with Characters that are mainly African American/Black, never make it past a 5 or above in its 5 star ratings. I think that this movie is excellent. It shows what our struggles are and were like with trying to go out into the world. "Some things don't change"; yeah well, Mr. Howard, they don't. And according to these comments, it seems like many of us as a generation will still have to put up with the nonsense. Movie was exceptional. Take a look into o u r world. Many cheat us of our ratings and it's beyond foul. Bet if this movie was mainly with Caucasians, it'd be at least a 9, am I correct? Just being honest.

TxMike It is puzzling why so many "1" votes have been given to this movie, because it is actually pretty good. It is based on a true story of a former competitive swimmer from the 1960s who, looking for meaningful work 10 years later, stumbles upon an opportunity to form a swim team from a group of rag-tag guys in the hood.Terrence Howard is Jim Ellis, and he is hired to clean up and close down a Philadelphia recreation area which had fallen into disrepair. It happened to have a competition pool, and Jim gets it back into swimming shape on his own time.Bernie Mac is good as the long time maintenance man Elston.One hot summer day the basketball hoop is taken down and the guys who usually play pickup ball there are left without a place to play. They wander into the natatorium and swim to keep cool. Jim picks up on their competitive juices and agrees to help them become good swimmers.While not a great movie, it is interesting and entertaining.

dontforgetdis like a lot of people who have commented and wondered why this movie has such a low rating, i can really find a lot of positives from this movie even if you can't relate to it based on colour of your skin, theirs some basic principles i feel we can all benefit from. The acting was OK, no where near Gladiator quality of course, and i understand that some people don't like the way their race was portrayed through out the movie but i don't think that should be a problem, any one remember "Birth of a Nation" scored pretty high on here anyway. Point is this was based around a true story and it briefly YES briefly showed how narrow minded people are, if not then but also now. Don't lie to yourself decent movie.

DJJOEINC Pride -Charming movie based on the true story of Jim Ellis.Jim Ellis took an ailing rec center in downtown Philly in the 70s and put together a competitive swim team.Terrence Howard plays Jim Ellis - and I will be honest- he is why I watched the movie-Howard is captivating-a mixture of charisma,anger and beguiling charm.This movie is a relentless cliché machine- it hit's every sports movie note that it should- and it manages to work in spite of itself or because Howard elevates the material.Helmed by first time director Sunu Gonera- the movie works because of the authentic South Philly soul soundtrack and an engaging cast of teen actors.I have seen this movie before( I think the underdog sports movie is the male version of the romantic comedy)- or rather several other movies that mix race,sports and coming together to achieve a goal in spite of overwhelming odds.Not my first choice for a rewatching or a rental- but not a terrible choice for family viewing.The DVD has a deleted scene(an awkward scene with Bernie Mac as the chaperone in a seedy motel with the swim teen) and an informative but monotone commentary by the director.The movie was filmed in New Orleans in order to capture the ghetto feel of 70s Philadelphia- and it does- but gives an idea how messed up Nawlins is after Katrina.The movie suffers during the second and third act when conflict seems to be inserted cinematically and manages to deter from the gritty Philly that the filmmaker was trying to capture.Based on a true story this movie succeeds in bringing a lump to my throat during the swim meet scenes and when we see the adverse conditions and retro attitudes of the competing teams.A solid movie for family viewing- although it is hokey and predictable - it is entertaining due to another strong performance by Terrence Howard and a strong supporting cast. C-