Cliche heavy but still surprising, this new drama stars a brave and truly heartfelt performance from Ben Affleck. While High School basketball plays a big part of the story, it's really about an alcoholic battling his demons and finding the strength to change his life.
The film co-stars Al Madrigal, Michaela Watkins, and Janina Gavankar, as well as some terrific high school basketball players. Mr. Affleck is front and center as the alcoholic construction worker given a chance to coach his former High School's basketball team after their coach has a heart attack. The team consists of many stereotypical characters but they are a charming bunch of kids and fun to watch as they come together as a team.
A big reveal late in the film brings out the tissues and while sincere to the story, still manipulates the audience to root even more for Mr. Affleck. The basketball sequences are exciting and are a welcome counterpoint to watching the depths of Mr. Affleck's despair.
Considering the real demons in Mr. Affleck's life, making this film had to be very personal and probably not easy but it's an art imitating life performance that never wavers.
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