I loved this movie. It is one of my favorite movies of all time. Charle Gitonga Maina (Saleh) is absolutely gorgeous! My favorite line is "Are you very sad Jimmy Dolan?" I say this to my husband whose name is Jimmy also, whenever he is upset or mad at me. It always makes us laugh. I have watched this movie at least 25 times although my husband swears it is 125! The little kid that is looking through the window in the clinic is so darn cute, too I loved it all!The man that runs the town is someone you would love to hate and I am glad when Saleh's brother leaves him. The pawn shop part of the movie is very good. I also liked Saleh's father.It is an excellent family movie, I encouraged my grand kids to watch it. Kevin Bacon is a good sport in this movie, it made me like him.

I do so hate sports. I despise sports. My eyes glaze over when a sports game or show comes on. I don't talk about sports.This should give you an idea of my expectations of this movie. However, it was early morning, I was up with little to do, so I settled back, half in the hope it would send me to sleep.How wrong I was! I enjoy Kevin Bacon when he chooses good roles - and this isn't often the case. Not expecting much from its bland beginning, I was beginning to nod off when Kevin's character, Jimmy Dolan, arrived in Kenya in search of a young African man he spied on a documentary. Jimmy is an assistant coach for a university, and in order to save his job, needs to find the next basketball star.If you're a sports fan, there might be enough action in this to hold your attention. But if you're someone who enjoys heart, warmth, character and some of the most beautiful land ever caught on film, this movie will come to mean more to you.For me, the country of Kenya played a lead role. The depth and color of the culture made this film a rich, living tapestry of tradition butting heads with progress.Charles Gitanga Maina, as Saleh the prospective ball star, is breathtakingly handsome with a winsome sweetness that blasts from the screen.While this film was meant to be about Jimmy Dolan and his growth as a man and human being, it's also about remembering humanity's history and respecting it for itself. It's also about bowing to progress with dignity and respecting the rewards that it, too, can offer.Paul Michael Glaser proves - once more - that he can find the heart of a film and unwrap all its petals to reveal the core. He is a wonderful director.He must be, for I watched the challenge basketball game with my breath caught, my heart pounding and feeling all the joy of the people of the Winabi tribe. And I hate sports.

The movie talks upon an assistant basketball trainer called Jimmy Dolan(Kevin Bacon)who seeing a documentary observes an b-ball African player.Then he heads toward Africa hoping to recruit him in the biggest US team.He's a giant and talented called Saleh but doesn't want to leave the tribe because is the throne's heir.The tribe is constituted by a natives type Massai.Then they make a wager playing one team against another.Besides the protagonist will must surpass hardships proofs with purport of converting in warrior and can to play in tribe's team. The picture is an amused sports comedy with agreeable and likable interpretation of its principal starring.Argument sometimes is a little ridiculous and absurd and utilizes tired stereotypical however the film is entertained and funny.Besides there are a slight exposition about habits and customs of the tribe,where is seen as the cows are essential in their life and particulars ceremonies,rites,dances and marriage ceremony. Plus has an exciting and moving final tournament that is truly exciting ,being the end climatic game the highlight film. Jolly and lively music with African sound by David Newman. Glimmer and colorfully cinematography is by Dick Pope(Mike Leigh's photographer)as is reflected in spectacular African outdoors. The motion picture is accurately directed by Paul Michael Glaser(Starsky and Hutch).The flick will like to basketball interested. Rating :Average but bemused.

I loved this movie and watch it over and over. A real classic with reluctant heroes, bad guys, comic relief and very pertinent underlying morals. No sex, vulgarity or graphic violence. Just a great plot, good acting, great directing and gorgeous scenery. It contains all the elements I love in a movie that run you through the gamut of laughter, anger, sadness and joy. Paul Michael Glaser did a tremendous job in capturing the essence of Kenya and it's people. We visited Kenya last year and now I even enjoy the movie more, if that's possible. I don't think it's meant to be a side splitting comedy. Kevin Bacon's performance was great. You really believed he was an arrogant basketball coach with a superior attitude. It's wonderful what going back to the cradle of civilization will do towards humbling even the most haughty. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants a taste of a good quality flick.