Plot: What’s it about?
Joseph Verrett (Andre Braugher) is an idealistic priest, not just in the ways of spiritual faith, but also in political and social venues. He has coached a gifted team of basketball players at Saint Augustine, a team that no other squad could defeat. Yet his team isn’t recognized as a champion, as all the players are black and the team titled champions is full of white students. Against the wishes of his parish leader, Verritt pushes for a game between his team and the unbeaten Jesuit High squad. He isn’t driven by competition as much as desire for his team to be given the respect they deserve. If he even gets the game agreed on, can his team manage to win and even if not, is their presence alone a true victory?
A movie that tries to run with an underdog sports team gimmick has an uphill climb, given that so many others have come before. But filmmakers can still deliver the goods, if they include some twists on turns on the usual elements. Of course, if the story being told is based in real life, then that often makes a more emotional ride, but even that is not a lock to overcome genre cliches. Passing Glory is indeed based on real life events and the production even involved someone from the depicted events, but could it be more than just another sports movie that hits all the cliched notes? Although Andre Braugher turns in a fine performance and the race dynamic adds depth, this is just not that good of a movie. Not bad either, but rather bland, though with some refinements, the story could make a solid picture. As it stands, Passing Glory is just unremarkable and as such, I can only make the recommendation of a rental.
Video: How does it look?
Passing Glory is presented in full frame, as intended. This was a made for television production back in 1999, so the visuals aren’t as refined as we’re used to. Even so, the image is more than solid and while a little rough around the edges, there isn’t much to complain about. The visuals do have some softness, but detail is decent in most sequences. I found colors to be natural, with enough brightness, while contrast is iffy at times, but usually acceptable. This is not the kind of transfer that makes you stand up and take notice, but for what it is, this is more than passable.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc uses a 2.0 surround track, which offers a moderate and natural soundscape for this film. Of course this movie doesn’t offer as much potential for dynamic as say, a science-fiction flick, but this is still an active and effective mix. You’ll hear a nice amount of directional use and surround activity, but it never becomes forced or overdone. The dialogue is clear and at a proper volume. This disc also includes subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, just in case.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes no bonus materials.
