Pride (2007 film)

Infobox_Film
name = Pride


caption = One-sheet theatrical poster for "Pride"
writer = Kevin Michael Smith
Michael Gozzard
J. Mills Goodloe
Kevin Michael Smith
starring = Terrence Howard
Bernie Mac
Gary Sturgis
Tom Arnold
and Kimberly Elise
featuring =
director = Sunu Gonera
producer = Brett Forbes
Paul Hall
Patrick Rizzotti
Adam Rosenfelt
John Sacchi
distributor = Lionsgate Entertainment
released = March 23, 2007
runtime = 104 min
language = English
website = http://www.pridefilm.com
budget =
gross = $7,057,600
music = Aaron Zigman | awards =
imdb_id = 0475355

"Pride" is a biopic drama film released by Lionsgate Entertainment on March 23, 2007 (see 2007 in film). Loosely based upon the true story of Philadelphia swim coach James "Jim" Ellis, "Pride" stars Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac, and Kimberly Elise, and was directed by Sunu Gonera.

"Pride" is a film that depicts African-Americans succeeding in a sport — swimming — that is still largely dominated by whites. This differed from most other African-American films with sport themes as they usually feature sports where African-Americans have progressed into the mainstream, such as basketball (such as "Coach Carter") and football (such as "Gridiron Gang", "Remember the Titans"). "Pride" differed from this theme by bringing attention to the often overlooked world of African-American swimmers.

The film centers around Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard) and grouchy but protective janitor Elston (Bernie Mac). The two have a short-lived rivalry before becoming good friends.

Plot summary

It is 1974 and life is not easy for an African-American male, even a college-educated one like Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard), to find employment. Struggling to find anything better, Jim, a former competitive swimmer, accepts the job of dismantling the dilapidated Marcus Foster Recreation Center operated by the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. The center includes a swimming pool. Ellis' presence immediately causes some friction between him and a bitter, protective janitor named Elston (Bernie Mac) who works there. One day, Jim sees a group of troubled black teens who have just been thrown off the basketball court and invites them for a swim. Andre (Kevin Phillips), Hakim (Nate Parker), Reggie (Evan Ross), Puddin’ Head (Brandon Fobbs), and Walt (Alphonso McAuley) prove to be fairly capable swimmers and with a few pointers, could become great swimmers. With some help from Elston, Jim decides to try and save the public swimming pool by starting the city’s first all African-American swim team. When the team also acquires Willie (Regine Nehy), a female swimmer more gifted than any of the guys, the prospects of competing against much more experienced rival teams begin to seem more positive. Jim also develops a romantic interest in a beautiful city worker (Kimberly Elise). Throughout their struggles, in or out of the swimming pool, Jim and Elston embraces and mentors the kids, hoping to help them become successful at swimming and in all aspects of their lives.

Cast

*Terrence Howard as Jim Ellis
*Bernie Mac as Elston
*Kimberly Elise as Sue Davis
*Evan Ross as Reggie
*Tom Arnold as Bink
*Alphonso McAuley as Walt
*Regine Nehy as Willie
*Scott Reeves as Jake
*Nate Parker as Hakim
*Kevin L. Phillips as Andre
*Gary Sturgis as Franklin
*Brandon Fobbs as Puddin Head

Reaction

Pride was met with mixed reviews, with a 46% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some critics criticized the use of the word nigger in the film's opening scene where Jim is confronted by a racist predominantly white college that object to his presence in the water of their pool and refuses to swim with him because they say he is dirty. [http://www.imdiversity.com/villages/african/arts_culture_media/kam_pride0607.asp] The film also has a visibly upsetting scene where Jim is pinned to the floor under the boot of a white policeman. Although these words and images may be difficult for some viewers (explaining the film's PG rather than G rating), they were included with the intent to illustrate the severity of the racism faced by young black swimmers growing up in the segregated 1960s.

Users seemed to enjoy the film more, with a 70% rating.

Trivia

* The film is notable for its inclusion of many up and coming actors who are the children of established celebrities from the previous generation. Evan Ross, who plays one of the athletes, is the son of the famous musical pioneer Diana Ross. Scott Reeves is the son of actor Clint Eastwood.

* The real Jim Ellis makes a cameo appearance in the film as the city worker who takes the basketball rim down.

* Writer Kevin Michael Smith, a Seton Hall Preparatory School graduate, named Coach Richard Binkowski after his English teacher of the same name (and of the same nickname).

External links

* [http://www.pridefilm.com Official website]
*imdb title|id=0475355|title=Pride
*rotten-tomatoes|id=1165269-pride|title=Pride
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=6bRlgX-qaNo Reelblack TV at the Philadelphia Red Carpet Premiere]