Friedkin and Shelton know how to mix action, words and music effectively, and Nolte absolutely gives until it's gone as Pete Bell, who will make basketball seem exciting and sexy even to a casual fan.

| Aug 20, 2024

While shot dynamically, the camera movements and editing diminish the on-court action.

| Sep 27, 2023

Features an absolutely terrific performance by Nick Nolte, and provides evidence that William Friedkin's abilities as a director could make movies that were compelling, lively, exciting, and thoroughly entertaining, no matter their subject matter.

| Aug 14, 2023

| Original Score: C+ | Sep 7, 2011

Watching various hoop stars and legends trying to act is cringeworthy, O'Neal particularly bad, but Friedkin's movie, written by sports film specialist Shelton has a lot of passion.

| Mar 25, 2008

A good concept fails to become a good movie in this predictable tale of corruption in college basketball.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Mar 25, 2008

A deafness-inducing but otherwise ho-hum would-be expose of shady recruiting practices by college basketball programs.

Full Review | Mar 25, 2008

Not even an unsentimental basketball fan like director William Friedkin can wash away all the corn syrup.

| Mar 25, 2008

This hard-hitting college basketball drama marks a notable return to form for William Friedkin.

| Jun 24, 2006

[An] effective, if overlong basketball drama.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 26, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 9, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 16, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Feb 17, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 24, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 25, 2004

If Mr. Friedkin didn't have to work so strenuously framing two-shots of Mr. Nolte with this seven-foot athlete, it might be hard to remember that Mr. O'Neal has a day job.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 20, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 20, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | May 14, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 20, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 29, 2002