Basically, this is a fairly run-of-the-mill story of family dysfunction with a sports twist.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Feb 10, 2005

The story isn't unusual or compelling enough to make a lasting impression.

Full Review | Feb 10, 2005

Good as Rush and Davis are as combative working-class parents Harold and Dora, their story line overpowers the drippy dramatics of their teen athlete son. It unwittingly feels like two separate movies.

Full Review | Feb 5, 2005

The grim material isn't helped by the hackneyed direction of Russell Mulcahy, a music-video veteran.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Feb 4, 2005

Ends up merely treading water.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Feb 4, 2005

While [the production notes] describe the story's Rocky-like outlines, they ignore the gripping, downbeat family drama at the movie's core.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 3, 2005

Evokes time and place without being showy about it and offers an altogether invigorating experience.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 3, 2005

Distinguished by some unusually fine performances, but the lack of a satisfactory third act diminishes overall result.

Full Review | Feb 3, 2005

Saddled with a ham-fistedly literal title and copious aesthetic ineptitude.

Full Review | Feb 2, 2005

This woe-is-me melorama doesn't vie for universal cred--all it does is aim for Daddy.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Aug 14, 2004