"Gridiron Gang" : 2 Scoops

Punctuated by rough action scenes,Gridiron Gang is a familiar sports saga with kids in need of guidance and a coach in need of support from his institution. This time, it's also based on a 1993 documentary (clips from that film play during the closing credits and suggest that Jeff Maguire's script lifts heartfelt dialogue directly from the original speakers). The movie is also invigorated by The Rock (a.k.a. Dwayne Johnson), whose performance is simultaneously wry and warm. Charismatic as ever, The Rock plays Sean Porter, manager of a youth detention facility, as a creative coach and grateful son. He also makes the movie's basic corniness slightly easier to bear.

Long frustrated by a legal system that sends kids through endless cycles of violence in the streets, their homes, and their juvie blocks, Sean is moved to action when ex-inmate is killed in a drive-by shooting within hours of his release from Camp Kilpatrick. Sean's solution: Organize the violence into football. Though his boss, Paul (Leon Rippy), is predictably skeptical about spending the facility's scant state-issued funds on such a body-slamming venture, Sean and his whistle-wearing assistant Malcolm (Xzibit) assemble a team of hard cases. Because they're inclined to defend their turf, Sean gives them a new source of identification.

Some of the kids are briefly distracted by the usual obstacles -- Willie (Jade Yorker) likes a girl (Jurnee Smollett), Kenny (Trever O'Brien) is rejected by his mom, Junior (Setu Tasse) suffers an injury during practice. And Sean grapples with his own pain and his ailing mother (L. Scott Caldwell). Together, they find a purpose -- to beat back the other teams, in particular one that includes a white boy who calls Willie the n-word. The Mustangs, as the detention center team is called, engage in repeated drills of the montage-y sort, learning to tackle, catch, pass, and appreciate Coach's efforts.

Exceptional performances by Jade Yorker, Trever O'Brein, and Dwayne Johnson. The plot of the movie is overly predictable, as is the ending. I also enjoyed L. Scott Caldwell's performance. You can catch her every Wed. beginning Oct 4 once Lost resumes (she plays Rose).