Pride: Critic Reviews

Pride doesn't have much surprise, but it's a formula picture of genuine feeling, with Terrence Howard proving once again that he wouldn't know how to keep it less than real.

When sinewy young idealists glide through water to the tune of 'I'll Take You There,' the heart still leaps.

Pride is a fairly predictable entry in the highly predictable inspirational sports drama genre. But the movie is saved by the earnest, believable performance of Terrence Howard and by Bernie Mac in a more serious role than usual.

Pride has Hollywood formula practically stitched to its Speedo. But the characters and the actors who play them are so captivating, we're too entertained and charmed to notice.

While it's neither as socially urgent as Freedom Writers nor as danceable and soapy as Stomp the Yard, it's better acted and tougher to resist.

The feature debut from South African director Sunu Gonera is straight from the sports-film playbook, the one in which an underdog team coached by an obstinate overachiever overcomes obstacles and adversity to take home the gold.

There is not a single moment in Sunu Gonera's Pride that you haven't already seen, or that you can't predict.

Despite Mr. Howard's best efforts in the role, the film rarely realizes its subject's potential.

There's no excuse for Pride's mediocrity -- not with this story, not with this cast.

Pride has a sly, sexy way of overcoming inherent filmmaking cliches and winning over its audience.

This is familiar terrain jazzed up by unfamiliar voices.

Pride is a lovingly-presented homage to the heroism of Jim Ellis' life and his life's work.

Out of a foamy sea of inspirational-sports-film cliches, Terrence Howard pulls Pride to safety.

Howard is a commanding presence as usual, and glaring Bernie Mac acquits himself admirably in the die-cut role of the eccentric assistant coach.

A generic against-the-odds underdog sports drama.

Pride does its subject matter proud.

It's more of a public service announcement than a movie. As such, it may do some good. But imagine what a truly great film with the same social conscience might accomplish.

Manipulative rather than inspirational and hackneyed rather than original.

Pic has built up enough goodwill to keep auds stoked to the end.

Howard's character declares that "the world isn't black and white." The world, no, but the movie, yes.

It's a feel-good movie whose warmth lasts only as long as we're in the pool.

It really has nothing to be proud of but a central performance much better than the movie itself deserves. It's time for Terrence Howard to appear in a movie that rises to his level.

The trouble with Pride is that it sticks so close to the sports-movie playbook that it never comes alive.

Despite the stale odor of the broth, lack of originality isn't Pride's stumbling point -- it's that the familiar story is not well presented.

Yes, Terrence Howard delivers another solid lead performance and competition swimming is a new arena for such films. Nonetheless, Pride is just plain trite.