Simply Perfect

Best movie ever!

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The fact that this movie has a 3.7 rating on IMDb is ridiculous. I don't see how somebody could not like this movie. Why is racism in early 70s Philadelphia unbelievable? How are Terrence Howard and Tom Arnold not good in this movie? Terrence Howard as Jim Ellis is one of the most inspirational coaches in any movie I've ever seen. The script is better than some people say and every character is believable-some more than others-but regardless. From the start of the movie all the way to the end I was glued to the TV. Who cares if the movie is "predictable": it's a TRUE story, OF COURSE IT'S PREDICTABLE. Some people are ridiculous. Anybody that gives this movie lower than 7 stars is obviously a complete moron. I'm giving this 10 stars because it damn well deserves it.Anybody who reads this comments prior to seeing the movie, don't believe a word they say: they're all wrong.

In 1964 there was a black swimmer who tried to compete in an all white swim meet in North Carolina. The white people booed him. When he jumped in the pool, no one else competed. He got upset. Then he was a victim of police brutality. Ten years later, he came to Philadelphia to a run down recreation center to close it down. But he found a pool and started an award winning swim team. Terrace Dashon Howard did a great job playing coach Ellis. It was so funny to see Bernie Mac and Tom Arnold playing serious roles in this movie. And the young people in this movie could act. Evan Ross proved once again that he is not just Diane Ross's son. And Kimberly Elise made this movie. Make sure you watch the DVD version so you will see deleted scenes.

Pride is MUCH better than the 2.6 rating - yes, it does wear its heart firmly on its sleeve, but a turkey it most definitely is not. We loved Akeelah and the Bee last year and would put this in the same sense of journey: the ad campaign and tag line should be:"The waves they created changed their world forever..."It does what sport movies should do - gives you the training, the sport, the lift. Of course you know the step by step play but that doesn't alter the fact that this is watchable.I'm afraid I don't get the objections on ground of race - I would imagine being poor, black, and impoverished and the first in my sport in 1974 would be realistically unbelievably tough.If you like your films to be about values - then is is definitely worth the view.IMDb voters should be ashamed - this is not the worst film of all time by a long shot - or all our hearts dead?Ignore the vote - and view with an open heart - we found it decent, inspiring, and all together a satisfying view.

Pride -Charming movie based on the true story of Jim Ellis.Jim Ellis took an ailing rec center in downtown Philly in the 70s and put together a competitive swim team.Terrence Howard plays Jim Ellis - and I will be honest- he is why I watched the movie-Howard is captivating-a mixture of charisma,anger and beguiling charm.This movie is a relentless cliché machine- it hit's every sports movie note that it should- and it manages to work in spite of itself or because Howard elevates the material.Helmed by first time director Sunu Gonera- the movie works because of the authentic South Philly soul soundtrack and an engaging cast of teen actors.I have seen this movie before( I think the underdog sports movie is the male version of the romantic comedy)- or rather several other movies that mix race,sports and coming together to achieve a goal in spite of overwhelming odds.Not my first choice for a rewatching or a rental- but not a terrible choice for family viewing.The DVD has a deleted scene(an awkward scene with Bernie Mac as the chaperone in a seedy motel with the swim teen) and an informative but monotone commentary by the director.The movie was filmed in New Orleans in order to capture the ghetto feel of 70s Philadelphia- and it does- but gives an idea how messed up Nawlins is after Katrina.The movie suffers during the second and third act when conflict seems to be inserted cinematically and manages to deter from the gritty Philly that the filmmaker was trying to capture.Based on a true story this movie succeeds in bringing a lump to my throat during the swim meet scenes and when we see the adverse conditions and retro attitudes of the competing teams.A solid movie for family viewing- although it is hokey and predictable - it is entertaining due to another strong performance by Terrence Howard and a strong supporting cast. C-