Home Team is a 2020 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Michael Covino and starring Kyle Marvin, Michaela Watkins, and Amy Landecker. It follows the story of an Ivy-League basketball coach who is forced to take a job back in his small hometown. He finds himself coaching a high school basketball team of misfits and dealing with a complicated relationship with his father.
The film was released to critical acclaim and was praised for its strong performances, its comedic timing, and its unique take on a classic sports movie. But how accurately does it portray the world of high school basketball? Does it capture the true essence of the sport? Let’s take a closer look.
The Characters
The main characters in Home Team are Coach Dave (Kyle Marvin), his father Bill (John Slattery), and his players, including the star player, Dylan (Sean Kleier).
Coach Dave is a former college basketball player who is forced to take a job as a high school coach after suffering a major injury. He is reluctant to take the job, but finds himself drawn to the sport once again and takes on the challenge of coaching a rag-tag group of misfits.
Dave’s father, Bill, is a former basketball coach who is now retired and living in the same town. Bill is a no-nonsense, old-school coach who is unimpressed with his son’s attempts to modernize the game.
And then there’s Dylan, who is the star player on the team. He’s a talented player, but has a chip on his shoulder and a bad attitude. Despite his attitude, Dave is determined to help him reach his potential.
The Story
The story of Home Team follows Dave as he attempts to turn his team around and help them reach their potential. He works hard to teach them the fundamentals of the game and instill in them a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
The team starts off on a losing streak, but soon start to turn things around as they learn to play together and believe in themselves. The team grows closer and eventually overcomes their differences and wins their first game.
Themes
At its core, Home Team is a story about family, friendship, and the power of believing in yourself. It’s a story of overcoming obstacles and learning to work together. It’s also a story of redemption, as Dave learns to forgive his father and build a better relationship with him.
The film also touches on themes of loyalty, trust, and perseverance. It shows that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Realism
When it comes to realism, Home Team does a great job of capturing the highs and lows of coaching a high school basketball team. The characters are realistic and relatable, the pacing is spot-on, and the story is engaging and believable.
The movie also does a good job of depicting the struggles of balancing work, family, and coaching. It’s a common theme in sports movies, but Home Team does a great job of showcasing the difficulties of juggling all three.
The Basketball
The basketball scenes in Home Team are well-choreographed and believable. The players move realistically and make good decisions on the court. The game itself is realistically paced and feels true to the sport.
The film also does a great job of showcasing the nuances of the game, from the importance of communication to the power of teamwork. The basketball scenes are engaging and entertaining, and they do a great job of conveying the excitement of the game.
The Humor
Home Team is a comedy, so it’s important to consider how funny it is. The film is filled with lighthearted moments and plenty of laughs. The humor is often subtle and clever, and it never feels forced or contrived.
The humor also serves a purpose, helping to lighten the mood and keep the film light and enjoyable. It also helps to add a layer of depth to the characters, as the jokes often give us insight into their personalities and relationships.
The Message
At its core, Home Team is a story about overcoming adversity and believing in yourself. It’s a heartwarming story about the power of teamwork and the importance of friendship.
The film also has a powerful message about the importance of setting boundaries between work and family. It shows that it’s possible to build strong bonds with your team without sacrificing your relationships with the people you love.
Conclusion
Overall, Home Team is an enjoyable and accurate depiction of high school basketball. The characters are believable, the story is engaging, and the basketball scenes are well-choreographed and realistic.
The film also does a great job of conveying its message about the power of teamwork and the importance of setting boundaries. It’s an uplifting and heartwarming story that is sure to leave you feeling inspired and motivated.