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The Heart of the Game Review

Release Date: Jun 09, 2006
Rated: brief strong language
Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.
Genres: Documentary
Director:Ward Serrill
Cast:Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Bill Resler, Morgan Patterson, Shannon Costello, Jamie McIntyre. Full cast + crew

Movies.com Critics

4.5

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… this one is good. Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

4.0

74

out of 100

Metascore^®
Generally favorable reviews
based on a weighted average of all
critic review scores.
70

out of 100

Variety Joe Leydon
Compelling but traditional feature.

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70

out of 100

The New York Times Manohla Dargis
[Mr. Resler] turns out to be not only the heart of this particular game, but also its brains, lungs and unforgettably endearing mug.

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70

out of 100

The Hollywood Reporter Michael Rechtshaffen
Making his feature-length debut after forging a career making socially conscious short films, director Ward Serrill never takes his eye off the ball, maintaining a sharp storytelling focus distilled from those seven years worth of footage.

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80

out of 100

Los Angeles Times Kevin Crust
An exhilarating story of loyalty and perseverance, The Heart of the Game succeeds as both inspiration and social commentary.

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83

out of 100

Entertainment Weekly Scott Brown
The film is a furious full-court press, its subjects aflame with the kind of passion only youth can furnish.

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88

out of 100

USA Today Claudia Puig
It captures an authentic feel-good spirit and inspirational message that most Hollywood movies barely approximate.

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88

out of 100

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert
Sports movies have a purity of form. They always end with the big game, in triumph or heartbreak. So does The Heart of the Game, although the lawsuit still hangs over the team after the final free throw.

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88

out of 100

Chicago Tribune
If you or any kid over the age of 10 has even a half-interest in the definition of the word "teamwork," as well as the words "real-life suspense," this is the movie.

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See all The Heart of the Game reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 12+

Excellent high school sports documentary.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this documentary includes images of high school basketballers devoted to becoming a nationally ranked team: The girls are occasionally roughed up on the court and rebellious against their hard-driving coach. One girl reveals she was sexually abused by an individual coach (and she comes back to help her original coach work with younger players); another becomes pregnant and misses a season, returning as a single mother. Some cursing (including an f-word and s-word).

Families can talk about the ways that Darnellia matures over the course of the film, transitioning form rebellious adolescent to responsible teammate. How does her coach describe these changes, as he encourages her to believe in herself? How does Darnellia come to depend on her family and teammates in order to become a great player?

The good stuff

Messages: Discussion of race and racism, players and coach's journey to the finals and evolving commitment to each other are inspiring.

What to watch for

Violence: On-court action includes bumping and hard fouling; language includes references to aggressive play ("killing" opponents).
Sex: One girl admits late in the film that a coach she hired individually sexually abused her (her recollection is tearful); another player becomes pregnant as a teenager and misses a season.
Language: One girl uses the f-word following a disappointing loss; s-word; couple of "hell"s.
Consumerism: Not an issue
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue

Common Sense Media

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.