RottenTomatoes Score: 78% (6.6/10 average) Box Office: On a budget of $17 million, the movie has grossed $13.4 million so far, and by the end of its run should at least make its budget back along with some light change. Proof that not all movies need to be self-consciously smart or subversive, this easy-to-root-for sports flick simply does a good job of telling a familiar story in a charming, likeable and entertaining way. Director Niki Caro does fine work here with material that could've seemed trite and schmaltzy in lesser hands, though the real star of the show is Kevin Costner who, as real-life track coach Jim White, continues to settle effortlessly into middle-aged mentor roles. It's easy for the cynics to turn their noses up, and though the movie is a tad too long, it delivers one of the more charming recent live-action Disney flicks, earning its sentiment with a triumphant underdog story.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.