First Philly gave us “Rocky” about a hopeful boxer and then last year’s “Invincible” about underdog football players. Now we have “Pride” about underdog ghetto boys circa 1970 with dreams of being swim stars. Based on a true story comes Jimmy (Terrence Howard) hot off his Oscar nominated “Hustle & Flow” and winner of last year’s Oscar for “Crash.” When he can’t land a job at a local Academy as an athletic coach because “I don’t think a person like yourself could communicate properly with our students,” says Bink (Tom Arnold) the sports director, Howard takes a maintenance position at a downtown recreational facility. The town is about to tear it down when Howard sees a shot at resurrecting a group of young hopefuls in the facilities swimming pool. Bernie Mac is outstanding and heart-warming as the veteran maintenance man most affected by the council’s decision. While the story is predictable and formulaic, it doesn’t matter. The performances of the unknown teen actors and Howard’s determination and passion shine through in a splash of a performance. And, Terrence Howard looks damn fine in his blue Speedo. Three tiaras.
