Jackson shines as coach in sports drama

Not another American sports film? Yes indeed, but Coach Carter (Paramount) rises above the usual effort, partly because it’s based on a true story, and also because Samuel L Jackson plays the title role of a dedicated coach, Ken Carter, who stuns his all-conquering basketball team by benching his entire team because of their poor academic results.

It’s an inspiring incident, and it’s handled quite well by director Thomas Carter, who occasionally veers close to mawkishness. Extras include two featurettes, one on the real Coach Carter, plus six deleted scenes and a music video.