Eddie MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1 1/2

Whoopi Goldberg's back turning losers into winners. As Eddie, a limousine driver-turned-basketball coach, she's playing basically the same role she played as a nun in her SISTER ACT films. Eddie is one of the New York Knicks' most avid and vocal fans. The basketball officials know her well as she yells from the stadium rafters her opinion of the coaches and referees. Then one night the team's flamboyant new owner (Frank Langella) arranges for Eddie to win a competition for honorary coach for the night. The regular coach leaves in a huff, and Eddie becomes the Knicks' coach. Already at the bottom of the league, the players ignore her, but Eddie takes her coaching job very seriously. The media and fans go wild as Eddie becomes a local, then national hero. This is a feel good, fun movie whether you are a basketball fan or just enjoy a good laugh.

Down-to-earth Eddie teaches the egotistical pros some very important lessons about teamwork and false pride. Shocked to discover the team never practices, her assistant exclaims, Do you think these million dollar egos practice? The amateur coach even shames one prima donna by calling his mother in to reprimand him. Eddie also coaches kids in a low-income neighborhood, but won't let anyone play unless they have passing grades. But, sadly, interspersed with the good stuff is that usual PG-13 foul language. Many crudities, along with several obscenities and profanities are disappointing. A few crude sexual references are made and in one scene Eddie walks into the locker room where the team is showering. While no nudity is shown, she makes some comical remarks about what she is seeing. A married couple is also shown embracing as they fall onto a bed, but they are interrupted. It's a real shame Hollywood shows its dislike of a PG rating by insuring EDDIE gets a PG-13 rating. Otherwise, the film's foul language serves no purpose.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Buena Vista Distribution, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521