Inspired by the true story of Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson), a high school basketball coach in the tough San Francisco suburb of Richmond, this film captures the spirit too many communities in this country. A place where too many kids are preparing to become pleased with working minimum wage jobs or selling drugs, because of the apathy of parents, school and elected officials.

With low expectations and a coach who is not able to instill discipline in the losing team, Carter knows he can turn it around in short order, with a strict but fair regimen. He was a star on the same team years ago and is now the owner of a successful retail business in the neighborhood, as well as the coach. Of course he wants a championship team, not only for the sports season but also for the players as individuals for the rest of their lives.

The most compelling aspect of his fight to save these kids is when Carter refuses to let the team play or even practice because of too many failing grades (a violation of an agreement signed by each player). The principal tells him that this will deny them one of the most important moments in their lives as a reason to play the game. Carter’s reply is "That’s the problem"; in no way should a person’s life be defined by a moment in high school. High school is a preparation for life, not life itself.

The expected stock characters rise above the norm; outraged parents who hope college scouts will see their sons play, and ill-informed school board members, with no faith in the academic abilities of these young men, who are mostly black and Latino.

We walked into the screening of "Coach Carter" prepared to see a stock Samuel L. Jackson movie about a rehashed sports miracle. Not only were we wrong, but the story has some very important messages for teens who are not getting the "I can do anything" support from the adults in their lives. A bit heavy on the melodrama at times, this film nonetheless presents an entertaining way for young adults to think about the consequences of premarital sex, the hopes for earning millions as a sports celebrity, and how easy it is to accept living at life’s lowest common denominator. Our kids deserve more and Coach Carter showed them how to get it. It comes from within.