Review of Home of the Giants (2007) by Collin W — 13 Oct 2008

Does writer/director Rusty Gorman know Hoosier basketball? Absolutely. I don't know how the film's basketball scenes will play in states across the country, but to be clear, Gorman has nailed the atmosphere and the excitement.

Added to that, Gorman guides a talented young cast through a series of situations that, in the hands of a less-skillful director, would translate as cliche. Instead, "Home of the Giants" systematically moves into more compelling territory every few minutes.

There are shocks and surprises, both in story and in character, and nearly all of them are legitimate. The biggest triumph here is that the angst and dread of teenage dilemmas are conveyed with more realism and satisfaction than most films in recent memory.