The Heart of the Game - movie reviews and information

'The Heart of the Game' lives up to its name
by Bob Longino

In one of its best moments, the remarkable high school basketball documentary "The Heart of the Game" hones in on the final seconds of an important, close contest. Like a hungry, caged tiger, Bill Resler, the Seattle team's colorful, possessed head coach, paces the floor, shouting his words so they can be heard over the crowd's din. "Look in their eyes!" he screams to his team members. "Look in their eyes! Look in their eyes!" Read the full review

TO SUM UP
A chronicle of the Roosevelt High School girls' basketball team for six tumultuous seasons. Coach Bill Resler has a philosophy that disciplined training and healthy aggression will play a key role in turning an average team into champions. When Darnellia Russell, a young African-American from a neighborhood across town, walks on the mostly-white Roosevelt court, both Russell and Relser will be changed forever.

FILM FACTS ...

Miramax Films

'The Heart of the Game'

Director: Ward Serrill
Starring: Darnellia Russell, Bill Resler, Devon Crosby Helms, Maude Lepley, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges
Run time: 98 minutes
Release date: June 7, 2006
Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language.

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require Quicktime

READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: A-
"Heart has game suspense, but some of its strength extends beyond the basketball court, extolling lessons in team building (large corporations should take note how much decision-making Resler hands over to his squads) and displaying the drama in high school sex scandals, teen pregnancy and courtroom justice."