The real-life story of the 1988 Dallas Carter team, who I always knew as the antagonists of Friday Night Lights, is in truth so much better than the story of the Odessa Permian team, it's surprising me that Bissinger didn't write a follow-up book solely about it. The drama of the grade controversy during the playoffs and the robberies that followed make for an excellent story. But here's the problem. Muhammad, who went to Dallas Carter and played football either on the team that is the subject of the film or around the same time period; wrote, directed, and even edited this film himself. Clearly, this was a passion project for him, but I think he was so close to it that he couldn't see the forest for the trees when it came to a lot of this film's problems. The biggest issue I have with the film is that there is almost no effort to establish character with any of the players. We're dropped in to this world as if we, like Muhammad, knew all of these people already. I will give credit to the sentencing scene at the end of the film, which was extremely powerful and well done.The story of this team is so interesting, and so powerful when seen through the sociopolitical lense of 1980s Texas, and race relations in our own time, that I wish this film could have been made by a more competent filmmaker with a more robust budget, like Barry Jenkins, Ryan Coogler, or F. Gary Gray. This movie should have felt more like Straight Outta Compton, but the end result is better compared to Facing the Giants.

I totally understand the want to rate the film highly because the message the film is send. The filming was fine and it seems the actors do a good job. The problem is that the story is not told well. It feels really disconnected and jumpy. Others have compared it to Remember the Titans and Friday Night Lights I disagree. In those movies I felt a connection to each character and watched them grow or connect with the viewer throughout the film. I really missed that here. I know I'm supposed to want Carter High to make it through the challenges it faces throughout the film, but I didn't feel an emotional connection to want the see Carter overcome.

This was really a great movie.It is a must see for all real football fans, especially Texas football fans. This movie, although written by one extremely close to the story, doesn't gloss over wrong doings, but rather dispel misconceptions and outright lies. It is a movie about how young athlete (even older ones for that matter) mishandle success. In fact, the lessons learned in this movie will benefit all. It shows the very real account of how 1 bad decision can cost you everything you worked so hard for.However, all can be redeemed and bounce back. I was pretty pleased with the acting. The bonus materials with some of the real players is very insightful. Overall, it is an excellent movie.

I saw Carter High twice. It was even better the second time! Charles Dutton's passion for his players as the football coach really came across. His every line when addressing the players was some nugget of wisdom and guidance. The fact that this was a true story really made it all the more compelling. These young men had everything in their favor - stable families, caring, committed coaches who demanded academic and athletic achievement and proper conduct - yet still made the worst of choices. This movie dispels stereotypes and teaches us a lot. Arthur Muhammad did an excellent job putting out a movie with a message, without sex, violence, or unnecessary profanity. I would recommend this movie as a field trip for all middle school and high school students. Families should see it together and talk about it. It is also one to own on DVD later.