"THE HEART OF THE GAME"
DVD Review
by Rachel Buccicone
| MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5 stars) STARRING Chris “Ludacris” Bridges as NARRATOR Bill Resler as HIMSELF Darnellia Russell as HERSELF Rated PG-13 Studio: Miramax Directed by Ward Serrill Back to DVD Review Home |  |
Who cares about girl’s high school basketball? Whether you like it or not, after watching “The Heart of the Game”, YOU will.
Ward Serrill invested in quite the endeavor when he decided to make a documentary about the Roosevelt High School Rough Riders. Following the Seattle team for seven years, during six seasons, “The Heart of the Game” leads you along a journey that began with one man: Bill Resler.
Tax professor Bill Resler decided to take on the head coaching position at his daughters’ high school and the difference he made was unbelievable. His tough and aggressive coaching style lead the Girls Varsity Basketball team to instant success, but it wasn’t until Darnellia Russell stepped onto the court that things really took off.
Entering high school, Darnellia had the option of two different high schools: Garfield where all of her friends would go or Roosevelt, better education-wise and with a better basketball team. As a freshman, Darnellia was chosen for the Varsity Basketball team, but her presence as the only white player lead her to initially shirk the responsibility.
The Rough Riders maintained a high standing throughout those six seasons and developed a rivalry with the Garfield Bulldogs, the team for which Darnellia’s best friend played. Over the following five seasons, the Rough Riders inch closer and closer to the championship, but thrice lose the opportunity to the Bulldogs.
During her junior year, Darnellia is named one of the top five players in the region and is sought by every college on the west coast. Just when it looks like Darnellia will be the first in her family to attend college, she drops out of high school as the result of her pregnancy.
The obstacles that follow for Darnellia show the love and support of Coach Resler and his team of Rough Riders, and, of course, no story of perseverance could end in tragedy.
“The Heart of the Game” is less a documentary about the Roosevelt Rough Riders as suggested, but more about Darnellia Russell. While the girl’s story is impressive, the triumphant outcome is the reflection of the team, not the girl.
Ludacris’ narration is on the dull side, but the film is structured in a manner that one cannot help but feel emotionally involved by the end.
The DVD comes complete with deleted scenes and audio commentary with the director, plus a Making Of special and interviews with Ludacris, Coach Resler and Darnellia.
Whether you are interested in sports or not, you’ll find it hard not to enjoy this documentary. Any girl who shares Darnellia’s dream of playing in the WNBA should see the Rough Riders’ story. No matter what your motivation or lack there of for watching this film, you will likely feel the need to cheer at its conclusion.
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Widescreen (1.85:1). English and Spanish Language Track. French Subtitles.
