Metacritic Movie Ratings
The Heart of the Game Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 88

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia 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-TimesRoger 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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• 83

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyScott 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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• 80

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKevin Crust

  An exhilarating story of loyalty and perseverance, The Heart of the Game succeeds as both inspiration and social commentary.

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• 70

  out of 100

  VarietyJoe Leydon

  Compelling but traditional feature.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The New York TimesManohla 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 ReporterMichael 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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See all The Heart of the Game movie reviews at Metacritic.com