Spiel auf Sieg

The way to victory contains perhaps all possible sports movie clichés in such quantities never seen before in any other movie with a similar theme. And, in view of the subject matter chosen, the topic of racism couldn’t be avoided. So it is a rather pleasant surprise that the whole thing is good to watch. Although James Gartner didn’t spice up the fights with a special style that would differentiate them from other movies, but at least he chose some good actors. Apart from one - Josh Lucas. In view of the fact that the entire movie was meant to be carried on his shoulders, it is almost bewildering that he managed to play such a gift of a role so terribly blandly. Overall, what we have here is another in a long line of American sports movies about outsiders and their path to “unexpected" success. This movie isn’t exceptional or memorable in any way, although it is pleasantly watchable, if nothing else. Even if Glory Road is rather lack-luster and lacks a charismatic trainer. (10.08.2007)

One of many sports flicks that doesn't stand out in anything, but doesn't offend, either. Racial discrimination in and out of sports, a good ensemble cast, a solid script and a surprisingly good Josh Lucas, otherwise almost exclusively a B-movie actor. It doesn't really offer anything more than a clash of two races at a time when many things were still taboo and a lot of prejudice against blacks was quite normal. Glory Road describes the rise of dark-skinned athletes in basketball in a fairly humorous yet relatively spirited and classy way, which also meant taking basketball to the next level, as we know the NBA today. (21.10.2020)