HEART OF THE GAME, THE

2006 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

THE HEART OF THE GAME

  Sports documentaries have been on the forefront in recent years,
THE GAME is a distaff riff on that nonfiction feature. Initially director
Ward Serrill had decided to focus on coach Bill Resler, a college
professor who served as the girls' basketball coach at Roosevelt
High School in Washington. Indeed, Resler is a character -- with
minimal experience, he undertook the coaching position and
each year picked a theme for the team -- one year it was "pack
of wolves," another it was "tropical storm." He employed inventive
training exercises meant to strengthen the team's stamina and build
confidence.

  Resler's unorthodox style and oddball philosophy worked,
however, and each year the team improved. And then in walked
Darnellia Russell, a street tough young African-American unhappy
to be attending the nearly all-white high school. Instead, under
Resler's guidance, she blossomed, utilizing her natural talents and
skills on the court. In turn, Russell was learning life lessons as well.

  When a major stumbling block arose regarding her career --
I won't spoil it but prescient filmgoers will figure it out before it's
revealed in the film -- Russell has to fight to regain her spot on the
team. That she does so with the support of her coach and teammates
is merely a given.

  THE HEART OF THE GAME ranks as one of the best sports
movies and that it is a true story makes it even more intriguing.


                          Rating:        B+