Coach Carter

Starring: Samuel L Jackson, 'Ashanti' Douglas, Rob Brown, Robert Ri'chard, Nana Gbewonyo

Directed by: Thomas Carter

RS: 1.5of 4 Stars

2005 Paramount Pictures Drama

Despite its punishing length (135 minutes), this afternoon-TV special trying to pass as a real movie earns an extra half star solely for Samuel L. Jackson, who brings his usual fire to the role of Ken Carter -- a real-life high-school basketball coach who benched his team for getting lousy grades. Director Thomas Carter gives every sports-drama cliche a chance to play. No bad idea is benched.