Coach CarterMovie Reviews

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So-so
Avg. Critic Score: 57 out of 100 Mixed or average reviews Metascore® based on all critic reviews
Information for Parents:
14 OK for kids 14+
Read Common Sense Media review

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 80
    Washington Post |

    This entry in a rather stale genre deserves to be put at the head of the class. Read full review

  • 75
    Chicago Sun-Times | Roger Ebert

    Jackson has the usual big speeches assigned to all coaches in all sports movies, and delivers on them, big time. His passion makes familiar scenes feel new. Read full review

  • 70
    Variety | Robert Koehler

    Both an inspirational sports movie and an unexpected multi-level urban drama that plays by its own clock. Read full review

  • 60
    The Hollywood Reporter | Michael Rechtshaffen

    Thanks mainly to his (Jackson) considerable presence, Coach Carter works more effectively than expected. Read full review

  • 60
    The New York Times | Dana Stevens

    This may be the coach's story, but to the extent that Coach Carter is interesting rather than merely inspirational, it's because of the team. Read full review

  • 58
    Entertainment Weekly | Owen Gleiberman

    Jackson, though, does lend this earnest formula flick a core of conviction. Read full review

  • 50
    San Francisco Chronicle | Carla Meyer

    Features bursts of humor and electrifying energy offset by speechifying and a dud of a subplot. Read full review

  • 50
    USA Today | Mike Clark

    2-1/4 hours of MTV-produced tough love, with a dance break and pool party to relieve -- momentarily -- a series of motivational rants from lead Samuel L. Jackson. Read full review

  • 50
    Los Angeles Times | Carina Chocano

    So, while the movie at times warmed my own middle-class, private school-educated cockles to a toasty complacency, there's an undercurrent of friendly fascism running through it like a nasty draft. Read full review

  • 38
    Rolling Stone | Peter Travers

    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. Read full review

View more reviews for Coach Carter on Metacritic

Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 14+ Engaging film with a terrific message.
What Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that the film has some mature material for a PG-13, including an out-of-wedlock teen pregnancy and a discussion of abortion. There is some strong language, but the movie includes a very worthwhile discussion of the n-word and whether it is appropriate for African-Americans to use a word that would make them angry if used by a white person. The film is frank about the kinds of violence inner-city neighborhoods are subjected to, including shooting. A character is killed. There is some material relating to drug-dealing.
  • Families can talk about the movie's focus on the use of language and dress to show respect. Why did Carter's son want to transfer? Another great discussion could center on the passage quoted from Marianne Williamson (often incorrectly attributed to Nelson Mandela): "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. …"
The good stuff
  • message true3 Positive messages: The message is very pro school, not just pro sports.
What to watch for
  • violence false3 Violence: Shooting and a character is killed.
  • sex false3 Sex: References to teen pregnancy and abortion.
  • language false3 Language: Strong language for a PG 13, including the n-word.
  • consumerism false0 Consumerism: Not an issue
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3 Drinking, drugs and smoking: There are references to drug dealing.
An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology. © Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

Coach Carter Movie Ratings + Reviews

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