Full-Court Miracle
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Full-Court Miracle
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Full-Court Miracle is a straight-to-TV average Disney sports movie that combines Judaism and basketball to present a number of positive messages. It is based on the true story of Lamont Carr. Religious stories are used as analogies to help improve a school basketball team, but also teach important lessons like helping others and being honest. There is also some portrayal of homelessness as Coach Carr (Richard T. Jones) tries to get his life back on track. Aimed at a young audience, the only instance of violence is an altercation in the first basketball scene where a player is tripped. He then reacts by squaring up to his opponent who is ejected from the game. The language is clean with "kick their butts" the only aggressive turn of phrase. During a dinner scene, wine is seen on the table but is not drunk.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In FULL-COURT MIRACLE, 14-year-old Alex Schlotsky (Alex D. Linz) is determined to turn his Jewish basketball team's fortunes around and win the inter-school tournament. Alex manages to persuade Lamont Carr (Richard T. Jones) an African American former college basketball star, to train them after school. Eventually Coach Carr is brought in as part of the school faculty, much to the annoyance of another teacher, Mrs. Klein (Sheila McCarthy). With Alex's mother pushing for her son to become a doctor, and Mrs. Klein concerned about Coach Carr's influence on the boys, the path to tournament success isn't going to be easy.
Is It Any Good?
It's unusual to see basketball and Judaism partnered up in such a way, and while the lessons are specific to Jewish history, they are universal in nature. The movie is based on a true story about an aging African American basketball player who is roped into helping out an under-performing team from a Jewish school in Philadelphia. The low-budget nature of the movie is abundantly clear, particularly in the stylized montage sequences and the special effects during the big finish.
Fortunately, Jones is convincing as Coach Carr, the player-turned-teacher, and Linz proves equally capable, despite his young years. Remarkably similar to 2005's Coach Carter -- but for kids -- Full-Court Miracle is a harmless, if forgettable tale of plucky underdogs and tenacious spirit with a side helping of ancient Jewish history.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how religion is portrayed in Full-Court Miracle. Why is it important for people of all different kinds of religion to be portrayed on screen? How were religious teachings related to basketball in the movie? Did it make a difference to the outcome?
The importance of teamwork is evident in the movie. What does Coach Carr do to get the team playing well? Does that translate to other aspects of life outside of sport? What other character strengths are seen in the movie? How can I use media to teach my kid teamwork?
Was Alex's mother right to worry about sport affecting her son's career choices? Should he have been allowed to pursue a career as a basketball player despite the odds being against him? Should he have focused more on becoming a doctor?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 21, 2003
- Cast: Alex D. Linz, Richard T. Jones, R.H. Thomson
- Director: Stuart Gillard
- Studio: Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Friendship, High School
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Coach Carter
Engaging film with a terrific message.
-
Hoosiers
Stirring tale of heroic sportsmanship will inspire families.
-
The Heart of the Game
Excellent high school sports documentary.
For kids who love sports
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate