'The Heart of the Game' lives up to its name

In one of its best moments, the remarkable high school basketball documentary "The Heart of the Game" hones in on the final seconds of an important, close contest.

Like a hungry, caged tiger, Bill Resler, the Seattle team's colorful, possessed head coach, paces the floor, shouting his words so they can be heard over the crowd's din.

Miramax Films 'The Heart of the Game' A- The verdict: An enjoyable and moving basketball documentary full of girl power and heart. Director: Ward Serrill Starring: Darnellia Russell, Bill Resler, Devon Crosby Helms, Maude Lepley, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges Run time: 98 minutes Release date: June 7, 2006 Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language. On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime [an error occurred while processing this directive]

"Look in their eyes!" he screams to his team members. "Look in their eyes! Look in their eyes!"

And there are his girls — a talented posse of equally possessed Roosevelt High Roughriders, preparing to try a run at devouring their basketball prey.

At times the coach has called his team a "pack of wolves" or "a pride of lions." What do those animals do? he often wonders aloud. Easy. They draw blood.

"Heart" is an often amazing, seven-year look at a series of basketball seasons involving a championship-level, diversified girls team at Seattle's Roosevelt High.

Narrated in respectful tones by Atlanta music star and actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges ("Crash," "Hustle & Flow"), the film gives special focus to a few individual players, including ultra-talented Darnellia Russell.

Hers is a story of individual power and team tenacity as Russell faces a series of personal challenges in order to play the game she loves.

"Heart," which played to large crowds at the recent Atlanta Film Festival, can seem a tad long. There are, after all, parts of seven seasons to slog through. It's also less of a documentary than "Hoop Dreams," which delved deeply into individual hopes.

"Heart" has game suspense, but some of its strength extends beyond the basketball court, extolling lessons in team building (large corporations should take note how much decision-making Resler hands over to his squads) and displaying the drama in high school sex scandals, teen pregnancy and courtroom justice.

Like "March of the Penguins," it's an open-eyed view of an often like-minded, persistent group and a film that can easily charm your heart. Most certainly, it will make you root for the Roughriders on and off the court.