Le Grand Défi

Despite their initial failures and problems with one of the players (or with the coach), a group of underdogs fight their way to a highly important match that’s extremely thrilling until the final whistle. Americans adore these would-be “based on a true story” movies, which I myself consider to be a safe bet. The ending is clear, a certain quality is guaranteed in advance. The question remains as to how progressive or unprogressive the filmmakers will dare to be in filling in the outlined formula. Hoosiers does not in any way stand above other sports dramas; on the contrary, it is dragged down to the bottom by the coarsely rendered subplots focused on the typical (i.e. intoxicated) Hopper and the very unbelievable romantic storyline, which also comes too late and is basically meaningless. Why pack emotions into such a physical film? Furthermore, Gene Hackman has proven elsewhere that he knows how to much better play an old guy who is above things. Basketball players, whether active or of the armchair variety, can add half a star to my neutral three-star rating. 55% (19/01/2012)