Glory Road (2006)

Mid-00s Disney really knocking it out the park. 'Glory Road' is another top film from this period from them. Early on this feels like a 'Remember the Titans', even a 'Coach Carter', copycat but it actually ends up creating its own thing. Those two films are also great, but I felt this one nailed the emotion and rawness of events just that little bit better - the sports action also feels more real, at least to me. Josh Lucas is very good as Don. I don't necessarily think he gives an outstanding performance in the grand scheme of things, but it's a perfect performance for the role itself. Elsewhere, Damaine Radcliff (Cager), Al Shearer (Shed) and Mehcad Brooks (Flournoy) are all good too. Enthralling plot, well written dialogue, terrific score, an important message and a cast that seemed to gave their all. A quality film, even with the usual Disney slant/tendencies. My only criticism? That fake nose on Jon Voight, wow!

**Glory Road shares the incredible true story of the determination and bravery of Texas Western's 1966 basketball team, but the script falls short of capturing its full potential.** Glory Road retells the inspiring story of 1966's first all-African American starting line-up in college basketball. The adversity these young men overcame and the courage to rise above the hatred and prejudice was genuinely inspiring. The cast, led by Josh Lucas, did a great job embodying the boldness and grit of each man. Unfortunately, the screenplay was fairly derivative and formulaic, even with a compelling true story. The movie is enjoyable but feels overdone and unoriginal, which takes away from the power of the story. Glory Road is not a bad movie by any means, but it could have been much better.