PRIDE

PRIDE is an inspiring story about a black teacher and swim coach who turns around an inner city recreation center in Philadelphia by getting black teenagers interested in swimming. Based on a true story about a Philadelphia swimming coach and teacher, the hero of the story is Jim Ellis, who is played by Terrence Howard, one of America’s best actors.

Viewers first meet Jim in 1964, when he is not allowed to compete in a swim meet in the South. Jim gets righteously angry and slugs a policeman. Ten years later, Jim is looking for a job in Philadelphia. A white school turns him down, and he gets a poorly paid job cleaning out an inner city recreation center scheduled for demolition. The center’s long-time maintenance man, Elston (played by Bernie Mac), is resentful of Jim and the center’s scheduled closing.

Jim does more than just clean out the dilapidated rec center, however. He also cleans out and fills the pool. Then, when the city takes away the baskets on the basketball court, Jim interests the local teenagers in learning how to swim. Soon, with help from Elston and God, Jim and the teenagers are forming a local swim team. Even so, the team has a long way to go before they learn the proper self-discipline and commitment to become more than a last-place finisher. They also have to confront the stereotype, even within their own community, that black people cannot swim well. Another problem they face is the local drug dealer.

PRIDE is an entertaining, compelling, uplifting sports drama with a very strong moral worldview. The cast brings honesty and integrity to their performances. The movie also contains strong positive references to God, Jesus and church. Elston appeals to God for help in keeping the recreation center open, and God rewards him. Elston also gets a local black pastor and his congregation to support Jim and the teenagers.

The movie is marred, however, by foul language. Thus, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution, especially for pre-teens.