Knights of the South Bronx (2005)

Nine out of ten times an unashamedly sentimental feel-good film like this will have me in a photo finish reaching for the sick-bag and remote simultaneously but somehow this one kept me watching. Why? Good question. There's nothing here we haven't seen before on a fairly regular basis and there's only one familiar actor. Ted Danson here is light-years away from his breakthrough role in 'Cheers' and shows he can do quietly understated with the best of them. In retrospect it seems a little hard to believe that a group of kids from a deprived area in the Bronx could become hooked virtually overnight on chess but apparently the movie is based on a true story so who am I to argue. What can I tell you, I enjoyed it, I was moved and enriched. Sue me.

I thought this was one of the best things Ted Danson has done. I liked the story and I liked all the kids! I must admit this is one of my favorite kind of stories. I think Richard was a great teacher and he accomplished what many teachers only hope to accomplish. I have great admiration for teachers who use innovative ways of teaching children who don't seem to want to learn. In this film, the teacher uses the game of chess as the instrument of learning. It may seem strange that children would find this game interesting. That's where the intellect of the teacher shines through.I highly recommend this movie to one and all.

I saw this movie, & I really enjoyed it!!!!!! Also, I loved the way the Ted Danson used the game of chess to get the Students motivated & so intrigued with the game, but also the way he insisted that "all homework" must be done and completed before all chess matches. I Feel that all students and teachers should view this movie( despite the foul language)!!!!!! It shows there are Teachers who care for students, though they are few in numbers, they are out there!!!!! And also, I think there should be more movies made in this fashion to tell the students there are people willing to go the distance for them!! Take for instance the woman who donated 4,000 + dollars so the team could go to nationals, or the kind gentlemen who graciously gave Mr. Mason the Money needed for clocks. I would like to do something in this nature but my income don't support me, but would like the students of our nation to know although teachers that care are scarce, they are out there!!!!!

Don't know if what I am writing is a spoiler or not, but just in case...here goes!! Saw this movie tonight on A&E. At first wasn't sure if I was interested with lightweight actor - Ted Danson. I mean what has he done lately? I was more than pleasantly surprised and very happy that I watched this movie. I think that the premise of this story - even though the use of fictitious characters were used, the fact that there really is a teacher of this caliber that took the time with young kids in situations that could take them down the wrong road - well it strengthened my belief in human nature once again! I even think Danson's decision to go naturally with the silver-white hair added to the believability of the character...I think my favorite scene was when Jimmy went to visit his dad. Father and son relating on an equal playing field of a chess board where the dad teaches his son a life lesson. What a powerful statement.Anyway, A&E played it back to back tonight and I couldn't help but watch it twice.Excellent choice for family viewing. We need more movies like this that emphasize that even those in dire straits can find a lifeline if they just stop and think before flailing in knee-deep water.I applaud teacher David MacEnulty for teaching us all a lesson in life!