In 1999, Coach Ken Carter became a national celebrity when he shut down the basketball season at Richmond High because team members weren’t living up to their contract for academic commitment. Now there is the movie, “Coach Carter – The Movie,” opening in theaters nationwide on January 14, 2005.

The following is from the website www.coachcarter.com:

Average is just not good enough. Period."

This philosophy is one that is followed by the very real Coach Ken Carter, who oversees the direction of Richmond High School's basketball program in Calfornia. In 1999, Carter found himself in the center of controversy when he locked out his entire Varsity basketball team (including his own son) in order to motivate and push them to improve their grades.

Not only did the coach close the gym, but he also banned any and all basketball-related activities. He was even prepared to cancel his entire season after 15 of his 45 players failed to live up to the classroom standards they agreed to in a contract they had signed earlier in the semester. His approach worked for at least one of the kids: his son Damien made the honor roll from that time until his graduation, and was accepted to West Point Academy.

Taking on the role of the individualistic coach is Samuel L. Jackson, who will work among some fine up and coming young actors. The Rookie's memorable Rick Gonzalez is onboard along with Rob Brown (Finding Forrester), and Robert Ri'chard (Feast of All Saints). Also appearing in her first movie role ever is Ashanti, who will play the girlfriend of one of the basketball players.

It's a terrific, uplifting sports story, and should find a solid audience similar to Hoosiers, Remember the Titans or Miracle. There's definitely value in showing kids that there's more to life than succeeding in sports alone.
(Kim Hollis/Box Office Prophets - 9/22/2004)