Glory Road MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

In 1966 Don the Bear Haskins, coach of the little known Texas Western basketball team, caused an uproar by starting five black players in the NCAA championships. This is their story.

Cocky underdogs, tough coaches, last second scores; basketball movies are as alike as, well, football movies. But every so often, one comes along with a message, a performance or a subplot that raises it above the norm. Indeed, the good ones usually provide a metaphor for life (Hoop Dreams, Hoosiers, Coach Carter). Im not sure Id put it alongside Hoosiers, but Glory Road has a valuable message (how to fight ignorance), strong performances (a nice job here by each of the ensemble cast), and a revealing story pertinent to our times. What's more, someone at sometime said, Lets make this family-friendly.

Devoid of crudity or exploitive sexuality, the film centers on its messages how to overcome bigotry and how to play the game of life. That said, director James Gartner never forgets his goal to entertain. He and writers Christopher Cleveland and Bettina Gilois infuse their story with humor, lively pacing and a love of the sport. Glory Road is moving, thoughtful and always involving.

Disney scores! (Forgive me, Im a critic, Im supposed to say things like that.)

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Disney