Full-Court Miracle (2003 TV Movie) User Reviews

The best basketball players they could be

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 24 December 2016]

Richard Jones the former court clerk on Judging Amy leads a nice mostly Canadian cast in a made for TV movie about the true story of Lamont Carr who inspired a bunch of Yeshiva kids to become the best basketball players they could be.

These kids from the Philadelphia Hebrew Academy are more than likely not going to make the NBA still there love of the game is there. It's also nicely integrated with their faith. Alex D. Linz is the one who finds Jones living out of his van and they negotiate with him being their coach.

The fact he's not Jewish is not a barrier but to Sheila McCarthy the principal her suspicious hackles are raised. Dare I say she becomes the Scrooge in this Channukah classic.

Full Court Miracle is a nice family film for Jews at what is their Yuletide season. Nice film for everybody.

OK

[MikeSuperShortShowBigFan · 6/10 · 15 November 2020]

SOooooooo I heard about this from mike super shorthw show and i thought it would be g8r to watch with my family and my 2 cats. it was pretty good. i liked the part where they shot the basketbala at the hoop and then it went in. and also i think that it's cool to see Alex D. Linz from Max Keeble's Long Move making another big star appearans. I think he will go on 2 do great things in sinema :B

o wait this move came out in 2003 T_T i guess that

Simple and cute...

[RosanaBotafogo · 7/10 · 4 December 2022]

Full-Court Miracle is a 2003 Disney Channel Original Movie. It premiered on November 23, 2003. Inspired by the true story of University of Virginia basketball star Lamont Carr, the film centers on a group of young Jewish basketball players who search for a coach to help them out of a slump. The main character Alex Schlotsky is inspired by the true story of Alex Barbag and Chad Korpeck.

Inspired by the true story of basketball star Lamont Carr, of the University of Virginia Cavaliers, a film that is both cute and sad at the same time, the former player's broken dream becomes a booster for young people, complicating talent, poor people, who seek success in the basketball... Simple and cute...

The phoniest basketball game ever?

[gordonm88 · 4/10 · 13 February 2004]

Auggh! Totally unconvincing depiction of a basketball game. So many childish errors that credibility is continually punctured. Even the antics of the onlookers are poorly acted - nothing looks goofier than poorly staged pictures of people cheering and reacting in an unconvincing manner.

And I am the only one who thought the Jewish miracle message was a bit heavy-handed given the trivial nature of the b-ball contest? I do applaud the attention and dignity that the script gives to the Jewish faith, though - the movie has noble intentions.

Movies get much, much better than this. I gave it 4/10.

Inspiring.

[roninredd · 28 November 2003]

"Full Court Mircale" was an amazing movie. I really enjoyed it. I didn't think it would be much of a movie, but when I saw it I was like "WOW...What a great movie." Not only does it teach you about the Jewish religion, it also inspires you to never give up on your dreams and that mircales do happen. I would definitely recommend this movie to everybody.

10/10

Not Too Much Miracle

[TheMysteriousReviewer · 5/10 · 11 December 2023]

The coaching can make a difference, but not give a lot of miracle. Full-Court Miracle is just a simply mediocre basketball film that's both generic and respectful to the Jewish people. I admire Richard Jones' performance as the coach and show off both his coaching and his basketball skills and the respects for the Judaism history references to set examples for basketball. But the plot is generic that makes the message of following your dreams feel forceful and that the characters are either uninteresting or just plain selfish. The ones I can think that are selfish are the ones that think of this mentality that following the life's footsteps is the only key to success and not dreams. I think the best recommendation is for basketball fans since they are probably used to films like this. However, I'll say that if you either celebrate Hanukkah or that you want to learn a bit of history, then I guess this would be for you. But I don't really see the rush to watch it. There are some miracles here that may happened, but not a lot to be fully impressive.

AWESOME FILM!

[loveshiaandtaylor · 10/10 · 21 November 2003]

Okay I have got to say that this is one of the coolest sports movies ever!It not only brings entertainment to it's viewers but it also educates them on basketball and the jewish religion. The movie has a strong cast, a great plot and just the right amout of humor and the guys wern't all that bad looking either! I loved this movie and I think it teaches viewers that miracles can and will happen, I give this movie 10 out of 10 stars I think this is an exceedingly good movie, and it's just a tv movie!

Props to Disney!

[nymoosi · 10/10 · 22 December 2003]

Props to Disney for airing this movie during Hanukkah! Cute movie, with lots of spirit, enthusiasm and good acting. No one famous that stands out.. well.. its a TV movie, I didn't expect anyone for that matter.

I'm Christian and I love this movie.

[PerfectDarkZeroFan · 10/10 · 23 December 2005]

This is a great movie; as always Alex D. Linz does his best at acting. This movie is about a boy named Alex Schlotsky and his three friends who want to play basketball for their school team but there not good at all due to bad coaching until Alex finds a man in a playground ( Richard T. Jones) who gives him a hard-time at first but then later on teaches with them. The only problem is that there is no DVD. This movie I just have to see is very touching "Jewish or Not Jewish" this is a great movie.

To the loser that said this movie is gay because Josh Peck isn't in it is a moron; this movie would have sucked with Josh Peck in it.

Two hours well spent!

[stevebob99 · 9/10 · 8 December 2004]

This is a great story of following a dream when it seems impossible and of having faith and waiting for an answer from God.

It dealt with the story of Hanukkah in a very reverent and responsible way. Since I did not know the story very well, the movie actually inspired me to look it and read about it in the context of history.

The acting was believable, although it had the feel of a movie. The team started off too bad and finished up a little too well to be believed, but movies are supposed to be a little larger than life.

I'd like now to read the true story of Lamont Carr, the coach portrayed in the movie. I was surprised to see that it was based on a true story. I'd like to know how true it actually is.

I think it was two hours well spent. Nice job, Disney!

Hannukah is a great time to watch "Full Court Miracle"!

[jillsypill · 10/10 · 28 January 2005]

If you enjoy gathering around the TV for a happy family movie, "Full Court Miracle" is an excellent choice. During Hannukah, the movie takes on the full importance of the true meaning of the festive holiday. It is an excellent way to point out the fine qualities of Judah and the Maccabbees. The movie also shows some fine morals about accepting all people, that may not have the same beliefs that you hold. Alex D. Linz is an exceptional child actor. Maybe in our own lives, miracles do not take place as they do in this movie, but it is nice to know that hope and perseverance can spawn a kind of "miracle". I highly recommend this movie to families of all faiths. It is very heartwarming and a joy to watch!

Good fun movie

[willeagle23 · 8/10 · 6 December 2007]

The reason I watched this movie is because of Richard T. Jones. I enjoyed his acting on Judging Amy so thats why I wanted to catch this movie. I also enjoy movies with sports in them. I ended up enjoying the movie for more reasons than Jones being in it. I enjoyed the character played by Alex D. Linz and I learned some things about Jewish customs. It was the first time I had ever heard that song the family sung as well. I think Disney does a good job with their TV movies because I have seen a ton of them over the years. I remember one called 'The Mary Thomas Story' that was well done, and it's good to see Disney still making good TV movies. Catch this one if you can.

Excellent!!!

[Chaim_Serfaty · 10/10 · 3 February 2006]

When this movie was broad-casted, I started watching it because it surprised me seeing Jewish boys wearing their Kippahs (Yarmulkes) all the time (due to the fact that I'm Jewish).

Well, I really liked the movie. I think it has a very adequate Jewish background and good performances, as well.

I could never imagine that Disney would make a movie like this. I recommend it...

and by the time it comes out in DVD, I'll be buying it for sure!!

AND, IF YOU CAN, TRY TO WATCH IT BY HANNUKAH TIME, you won't regret!

PD: I found on the web, that Alex Linz (main character) is really Jewish

I loved this positive movie!!!!!!!!

[skinnervic · 10/10 · 3 February 2006]

My computer connection went down for awhile so I flipped on the boob tube & there on HBO was "Full Court Miracles" - a WONDERFUL FEEL GOOD - POSITIVE movie about believing, hope, inspiration & not giving up!!

Alex Linz just wouldn't give up in HIS PASSION - despite being short & not that good & despite his mother attempting to break him down/squelch his dreams (for her OWN dreams for him! Why do SOOOOO MANY parents do that to their kids???).

Richard T. Jones had such compassion!

We NEED LOTS more movies out there like this!!!

THANX to ALL involved in the making of this movie!!!!

A beautiful story that all kids should see, Jewish or not.

[edbrown-2 · 10/10 · 15 March 2005]

Sure, it's obvious that Full Court Miracle is not a high budget movie, but critics go a bit too far. Anyone who says the basketball play looks phony is comparing it to the National Basketball league.They're a bunch of kids doing their best to entertain, and they do. This is a simple, educational story without violence or bad taste. My only complaint about Full Court Miracle is that Disney will not release it to DVD. So few people can afford the Disney Channel that not many have seen it. It's not fair to our wonderful young Canadian actors like Alex and Erik. Anyone who has seen Erik Knudsen's work in YTV (Mental Block)knows his good work. Good luck. Ed Brown Montreal

Pretty Good

[avenir1987 · 9/10 · 29 November 2003]

The Philadelphia Hebrew Academy Lions haven't won a game in two years. This year, however, team captain Alex Schlotzky (Alex D. Linz, 'Max Keeble's Big Move') is determined to lead his team to victory in the annual Liberty Basketball Tournament, being held this year in the Lions' own gym. But it looks like it'll take a miracle to break the team's losing streak as they continue to lose games while the tournament inches ever closer. Alex manages to find that miracle in ex-professional basketball player Lamont Carr (Richard T. Jones, 'Judging Amy') who was shooting hoops at the local park while waiting for a tryout from the 76ers. Alex manages to convince Lamont to help coach the team and hopefully give them the skills to finally win.

Told on the backdrop of the legend of Jewish military hero Juddah Maccabee and the Miracle of Light, Hanukhah, Full-Court Miracle is a heart-felt story that manages to get its message across while also teaching it's audience a bit about Jewish culture and history. The story itself is nothing innovative, but is interesting and makes good parallels with the Hanukhah story. There is just enough comedy in the film to break up the more the dramatic scenes and provide a bit of relief.

Linz does a good job of carrying the film, and is supported by an equally great cast. Linz plays his character convincingly, shows emotion well, and, all in all, makes a good performance. Jones plays his character convincingly as well and is great in front of the camera. The older Schlotzkies, Jason Blicker as Marshall and Linda Kash as Cynthia, play their roles well too. Kash does a good job as the mother who only wants the best for her son, even at the expense of his own dreams. Blicker is great as the father who also wants the best for his son, but also understands that the best is what he wants for himself.

All told, Full-Court Miracle is a heartwarming movie that the family will like, if not love. The writers manage to keep basketball around as a back-drop, but do not let it take over the film, as in other sports movies.

Rating: 8/10 for a slightly less than innovative story that is rather predictable.

IT IS AMAZING!!

[yurrcool · 25 November 2003]

i thought that full court miracle was amazing!! i loved the roll alex linz played in it!! **not to mension i love him lol** but it really thought you to just follow your dreams!! i loved it and i wouldnt mind having it come out on video and dvd!!

A slam dunk

[bradwilliams-94629 · 10/10 · 12 March 2021]

I never went to Hebrew school, probably because I am not Jewish, but if I had, I hope it would have been like this. The teachers have some lovely smiles and patience, and the basketball team seem really kind. I like movies where good things happen.

Basketball is not often a sport that I understand, but this film makes it super easy to get your head around. Which is helpful because there is a lot of basketball in the film.

I am glad I got my Disney+ account just to watch this film, because I did so on a recommendation from a friend. Her cat ran away recently, and she has been watching a lot of films to distract herself. She said that this is one of the best films she has seen in a while and she wasn't wrong.

Lamont Carr is one of the coolest characters and Alex is a sweet boy....a tad precocious, but still a good kid. In fact, the bot that plays him is from Home Alone 3; my favourite film in the series. This meant that I enjoy this film even more.

Go bulldogs! Woof! Woof!

P.S: have you ever eaten gefilte fish? I haven't, but they eat it in the film and Lamont seems to enjoy it. Might be worth a try!

Alex D. Linz and Full Court Miracle are awesome!!!

[cloewe08 · 30 June 2004]

After watching Full Court Miracle, I said to myself "Wow I never knew that the Disney Channel could make such a good movie, this was the best Disney Channel Movie ever!" I am a huge fan of Alex D. Linz, who played Alex Schlotsky in the movie, and I thought that he did an awesome job acting. He sure is a very talented actor. The whole story about how the oil in the Jewish lamp burned for longer than was predicted and the fuel for the school's generator burned longer than predicted so the Lions could finish their basketball game in the light was very interesting. Good job Disney with this awesome movie!b Hopefully Alex D. Linz will be in many more awesome movies to come. I rate Full Court Miracle 10/10.