À bout de souffle

Attractive high school swimming star Javicia Leslie (as Samantha Morgan) lands in hot water after making waves with her handsome, well-built assistant coach Tom Maden (as Bryce Hinge). Talking a dip with Mr. Maden could jeopardize Ms. Leslie's college and Olympic opportunities. Her blond boyfriend Cameron Jebo (as Lucas) senses something is up. Leslie's single mom Keesha Sharp (as Gina), a former swimming champion, could have some ugly secrets from her past revealed. They all become entwined in a "Lifetime" TV movie filled with fleeting sex, firm skin, and a seemingly psycho killer...

While the cast of "Killer Coach" is imaginatively diverse, the characterizations and story do not make the grade. A college setting might have helped. Leslie is especially unlike a high school teenager. However, she and her leading men are good looking. The most convincing acting is accomplished by Ms. Sharp, who benefits from seeming to fit her role. Lee Friedlander's direction and Ian S. Takahashi's underwater photography are strengths. While this is certainly and unabashedly a formula movie, you couldn't be blamed for thinking the pieces might add up to something more entertaining and engaging.

*** Killer Coach (6/3/2016) Lee Friedlander ~ Javicia Leslie, Tom Maden, Keesha Sharp, Cameron Jebo

Too much was left unsaid about our villain Tom Maden as to his motives for doing the bad things he does in Killer Coach. Maden plays an assistant swimming coach who seduces his star pupil Javicia Leslie and then won't leave her alone.

Maden was hired by Keesha Sharp who is Leslie's real coach and also her mom. He gets hired so Sharp can concentrate on the rest of the team and more time in the mom role.

As it turns out Maden has some real issues that deal with his own mother who is departed now. It all doesn't bode well for mother and daughter.

What can I say but it's a trashy exploitation flick and not even fun like trashy. Maden's psychological motives remain unexplained by the story.

Skip this one.

This film contains a series of horror events that transform the viewer.