From the Rough

When I first came across this gem on the Golf Channel, I thought Oh no not another feel good.movie.

It surprised me. Good acting, a thoughtful plot line and a fine bit of golfing.

I really liked this flick! I thought the acting was really good overall.

Especially the Algerian guy Ben Youcef. His journey in the story was very interesting.

He starts off really rude and a jerk and then warms up and becomes the hero.

I've seen this guy on Law and Order and a few other things and I think he did a really wonderful.

The story is very moving and I like what it speaks to. That we all are the same and we all need to come together.

Definitely worth a check out!

Couched within a story about a female African-American coach in a man's world, we discover a parable demonstrating how the combination of dedication, persistence and human compassion can overcome any number of obstacles one encounters in life, both external and self-imposed. The backdrops of an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) as the setting for both gender and (reverse) race bias, politics within a university system, and a few 'good-old-boy' networks help set the stage for the development of the main character played so ably by Taraji Henson. The film effectively develops the secondary story about the group of young men who comprise the golf team struggling to make adjustments in an unfamiliar environment as they transition from adolescence to maturity. Michael Clarke Duncan's character adds a comforting, soothing balm throughout the film. Henry Simmons' does quite a bit with his portrayal of the antagonist as a conflicted administrator, though the part is written rather thinly. Consistent humor throughout the film effectively keeps the film moving along swiftly and helps prevent it from becoming 'message-heavy'. At film's end you're likely to come away smiling and carrying a heart-warming feel-good aura about you as well… and oh, by the way, it's based on a true story; enjoy!

"We are all, all of us, including me somebody else's table scraps." Tennessee State University is having a problem with their sports programs. In order to save money they decide to drop the baseball team and add two smaller programs. One of the new programs they add is a men's golf team. The biggest problem they have is that no one wants to coach. The AD recruits swim team coach Catana Starks (Henson) since she has experience playing. She is very excited at the opportunity but when she is told she will receive no scholarships, funding or any help at all she decides to make her own rules. I love sports movies and especially the true ones like this. Like many sports movies this one focuses on the personal stories rather then the sport itself. That's what makes them so great. Unlike other sports movies though this one has a huge focus on the coach's life rather then how she helps the team come together. There are a few cheesy parts in this but for the most part the movie is very inspiring. There really isn't a big motivational speech like many sports movies have but what it does have are little lines that have the same power and inspiration as the long speeches usually given. The characters are great and are really likable. I really did enjoy this and I recommend this but it is not at the same level as Remember The Titans or movies like that. Overall, a very good and inspiring true story that I recommend. Even though there are a few cheesy parts it never comes off as being overly cheesy and laughable. I give this a B+.

The movie has a very interesting quote, about how we see the outer walls up high knowingly well that sooner or later, they will come down, and we'll be left with our own walls to deal with. So many things to learn from one single movie, most important being.. excuses don't work, whatever your background or resources you have, you can still win. And that should be the only aim. Loved the movie!