My quick rating - 5.3/10. You absolutely know this story since it has been done countless times before. But this version doesn't stand up to the likes of Bad News Bears or Slapshot. And before you say that is just because I am old, I'll remind you both of those came out when I was far too young to watch and appreciate them. They are just that much better. This time the coach is played by Snoop Dogg and he plays his part exactly the way he is supposed to. The problem with that is the writing crew including himself made his character far too hateable from the start which made the entirely too quick transition of underdog coach who cares that much less plausible. That already just about sums up the movie and you know exactly where this whole thing is going. But it isn't all for not since the cast plays their spots well, with Mike Epps adding some comic relief while Tika Sumpter as the love interest attempts to keep Coach Two J grounded around the kids. The comedy works on and off but language wise they earned the R rating if that is an issue for you. Unfortuntely George Lopez was underused in his coaching role but his scenes were effective for the emotional pickup. And the whole message was wrapped up in an effective after game speech. Just because you know the plot doesn't mean that you cannot enjoy it again and I will point one thing out that I knew before going into this. Snoop Dogg is all about helping the community back in real life. He coached the Pomona Steelers of the Snoop Youth Football League Pee Wee Division. He started the non-profit Snoop Youth Football League in 2005 for inner-city kids to have a chance to play. In the movie, Snoop does pretty much polay the opposite of his true life character, at least from everything I have read about him. So I am sure he back in his day had some coaches that actually were vulgar and completely self-centered like the coach he portrays but don't get that mixed up. I am sure if I was the interviewing type and got a word with him, he would point that out along with being a good father, and none of that is for show. Check out Snoopfootball if you don't believe me. And if your kids are a bit older, you can call it a family flick to watch together.
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