HOOSIERS (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Hoosiers—a good background party flick—loses the best of Gene Hackman. Many scenes, as when he works to help Dennis Hopper become sober or when he attempts to inspire the basketball team to a winning mindset, lack both force and inspiration. The redeeming factor in this movie are the basketball game court scenes—which are quite good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A coach finds his way by working with a small town’s basketball team.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Anspaugh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Daly and Derek Gibson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), Myra Fleener (Barbara Hershey), Shooter (Dennis Hopper), Cletus (Sheb Wooley), Opal Fleener (Fern Persons), George (Chelcie Ross), Rollin (Robert Swan), Rooster (Michael O’Guinne), Reverend Doty (Wil Dewitt), Sheriff Finley (John Robert Thompson), Preacher Purl (Michael Sassone), Millie (Gloria Dorson), Mayor Carl (Mike Dalzell), Junior (Skip Welker), J. June (Eric Gilliom), Referee (Robert Boyle), and Referee (Jerry D. Petro).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Overall, for the sports’ fan, the movie works as a fill-in-some-time film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers