Wolves

I was not certain as to what I was about to watch, but I am pleased with having done so. Why such a positive rating? I enjoyed not only the script, but the acting.

Taylor John Smith is excellent as a young and budding actor. His facial expressions are extraordinary, projecting extreme joy to extreme hurt and angst. Of course, the end was predictable. I mean, how could it have ended any other way?

The family challenges, obstacles and dynamics are far more common in America today than some might want or hope to believe. In fact, I surmise that similar family "quakes" have occurred in every generation and will continue well into the future.

I must admit all the main characters are done very well, especially Michael Shannon as the a-hole of a dad. He drinks too much, gambles unwisely, doesn't respect his college writing students, and treats his teen son badly. All this ultimately comes to a head and there really aren't any winners.

The son is the star of the basketball team, the Wolves. He has hopes of a scholarship to Cornell. But he has yet learned to take control in tough situations. Some street basketball in New York with some rough characters helps him grow.

Carla Gugino, one of my favorites, is effective as the mother.

My wife and I were entertained, but watching the family spiral down was difficult to watch. On DVD from our public library.

I've coached the game at every level. This is what I saw. The only accurate bball scene in the movie is the star actor's/player's shooting form. Defensive movement/agility skills are hard to develop and a sign of having played the game; they looked poorly, acting-staged. Everything else was just misrepresentation, and bad misrepresentation at that. Most notably the confrontation scenes on the playground; in practice and of course in the game. Isolated and small incidents do take place, but statistically would represent less than 1% of such games played. The confrontational language & behaviors of parents and coaches were just as unrealistic. Coaching to instill "rage", sorry, but the best players develop "control" of their emotions. Yes, isolated examples are out there as there are in anything, so what. They are not defining? Scouts don't show up advertising themselves; they try to blend anonymously.

This is a good movie showing the human element very well. You have a family that isn't perfect, an addiction that causes significant consequences, and enabling. The acting is very well. Someone said it was B or a TV movie, they must have accidentally put a review in the wrong place for the wrong movie. The production is done well. Overall a very good story, I could not stop watching, and it was very entertaining. I would just like to know what happened after the ending...

Just a good little flick. Feel good moments, characters are believable, morals are questioned. Stumbled upon this film by accident, loved every second. The small town struggle of having a dream and trying to get out is real. Anyone who's ever aspired for something bigger will enjoy this film. Is it Oscar worthy? No, but that doesn't take away from its delivery. Great cast also. Michael Shannon, Carla Gugino, Chris Bauer (? Andy Bellefleur from True Blood). I had no expectations from this film, but walked away pleasantly surprised. Highly reminiscent of those 90's underdog stories with great character drama to boot. Give it a go.