Did someone say Martin Lawrence?

Shock. Amazement. Interested. Hooked. Impressed. Heck, I might even have learned a few workable teaching tactics, here!

The Mt. Vernon Smelters are a junior high school basketball team. As most junior high boys are, these little aspiring to be hoop stars gents are... let's just say, less than physically coordinated. However, they must undoubtedly be the largest collection of the most uncoordinated group of youngster on one single team in the history of the sport, ever. Their opponents consistently take them to the cleaners. In fact, the Smelters' basketball team really smells, their game is so bad. But, this is their lucky year. They are about to get a new coach. A coach who has a winning history, at that!


When you say Martin Lawrence, you think "Okay. Turn down the set. Send the kids out the room (or the house). Make sure your mama's not visiting." Martin Lawrence is synonomous with bad mouth. He is known for foul language; every other word is a profane word. No, really, a Martin Lawrence script has dialogue that is 50-75% cursing (or as the old folks might say, "That boy can cuss up a storm!"). So you can understand why I was shocked at Rebound. It defied the old categorical image of the Martin Lawrence we all know. Rebound is clean family fun, and it comes with lessons to live by.

Alright, you're saying,
  ~What do you mean "lessons to live by" from a Martin Lawrence film?~
That's exactly what I mean.  In fact, some of the real-life superstar athletes and various, sundry celebs could take a lesson from his class-act character with character.  Seriously!  I was so impressed I was compelled to get this unexpected review started...even though it's taken me this long to get back to it and complete it.  Totally put me into an extreme state of shock!

Enough about my surprise at the significance of the messages embedded within this Lawrence vehicle. On with the story.

This is Your Life, Roy McCormick...

Roy McCormick (Martin Lawrence) is a pampered ex-collegiate basketball star turned college basketball coach, lauded and fawned over by hordes of female sports fans. He is self-centered, self-absorbed and unmindful of what image he projects for the mass of idolizing youths eager to follow in his footsteps.  Then, suddenly, fate intervenes and this giant is brought low.  He is suspended from the conference and banned as coach of Polytech's championship basketball team.  Not only has he lost his high-profile position and salary, his place among the greats in the Hall of Fame is threatened.  Life, as he's known it, has taken a steep decline, and he is loathed to accept a position as basketball coach of his old junior high school team.

His first day in his new position as coach at Mt. Vernon Junior High is anything but stellar. Roy now knows he's sank to the lowest circle of hell and prepares to suffer through his suspension.  His only hope to impress the powers that be of the collegiate athletic association and be re-instated as a college-level coach.  That was until he meets school counselor, Jeanie Ellis (Wendy Raquel Robinson - Tasha Mack on tv's The Game; Ms. Grier of The Steve Harvey Show fame).  She would alternately encourage and challenge his moral growth.  By the way, she was also mom to Coach Roy's star player--the only one who could actually shoot the basket that he'd aimed at on the team--Keith (Oren Williams).  Make that the only team member that could shoot where they aimed.  The defiant, class bully, Big Mac (Tara Correa) proved not only to be a bruiser off the court, but on it, as well, as Coach Roy and the boys would learn once she'd been recruited.

Roy would learn as much from the lessons he strove to teach his bumbling team as would they.  The skills, the discipline, the sense of team work and moral fiber.  All the essential building blocks of good character.  Exactly the things that were missing from the coach which caused him his prestigious college coaching position.  But, now that he's learned these invaluable lessons and developed these priceless traits, would he abandon the team who needs him and the strength of his hard-won place in their lives?  That's one of the hardest questions Roy had to answer.  The decision would also determine whether Counselor Ellis had misjudged him and his character, as well.  So much rode on Roy's decision--more than he had realized until almost too late.


Final Verdict... DO I RECOMMEND IT?

Surprisingly, yes.

Rebound was a well-spent hour and a half (Actual Runtime: 103 minutes). There was so much to recommend this film (and I say film, not flick).  In addition to the above praise, Megan Mullally as Mt. Vernon Junior High's Principal Walsh, was witty, hilarious and a great asset to this film's success.  Lawrence took the straight-man role (except when he made a brief appearance as the other half of his dual role, Preacher Don); Mullally took his place as the comedian(ne).  A nod and applause for the sound-mix.  The sound track for Rebound is a perfect blend of old school rhythm, blues, soft pop chart toppers.

Rebound is rated PG for mild language and thematic elements; I'd say it is appropriate for the entire family, considering the content of many other G-rated fare.  I recommend it and give it 3 out of 5 stars. Get the popcorn ready!

 

A Solemn Note: Tara Correa-McMullen who played the role of Big Mac, the only girl on the Smelters team, was shot and killed in October, 2005. She play the role of former gang member Graciela in eight episodes of Judging Amy prior to landing this role in Rebound. The life of this fledgling young star was cut short when she happened to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time, catching a bullet (which was believed not meant for her) that had missed its intended target. 



* * * * * Cast (first billed only) * * * * *

Martin Lawrence ... Roy McCormick / Preacher Don
Wendy Raquel Robinson ... Jeanie Ellis
Breckin Meyer ... Tim Fink
Horatio Sanz ... Mr. Newirth

Oren Williams ... Keith Ellis
Patrick Warburton ... Larry Burgess Sr.
Steven Christopher Parker ... Wes
Steven Anthony Lawrence ... Ralph
Logan McElroy ... Fuzzy
Gus Hoffman ... Goggles
Tara Correa ... Big Mac 

Megan Mullally ... Principal Walsh
Eddy Martin ... One Love

Amy Bruckner ... Annie
Alia Shawkat ... Amy


Happy New Year!  Make it an enjoyable New Years' Eve... and a safe one!



Original review, © Edwyne Rouchelle, 2008

Recommended:
Yes

Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8