'Glory' passes up quality for Magic

Why does Magic Johnson continue to tackle entertainment ventures he is not qualified for? By producing "Passing Glory," Magic Johnson attempts to pay homage to young black basketball players in the South during the '60s, whose often unrealized dream is to play for "a school up-north" as he once did. Unfortunately, the producers and cast seem to have trouble deciding on a game plan, as this historical drama stumbles down the court.

"Passing Glory" takes us back to New Orleans at the height of the civil rights movement. Emmy winner Andre Braugher ("Homicide: Life on the Street") plays Father Verrett, a black priest from the North joining an all-white faculty at a black Catholic High School. The headmaster Father Grant, played by Rip Torn ("The Larry Sanders Show"), surprisingly appoints him as coach of the school's famed Basketball squad. The team rests on its laurels of being the best black school in the city, until Verrett excites the imagination of the young men by tempting them with the forbidden thought of playing the white school champions.

Verrett is an unorthodox coach, reminiscent of Gene Hackman's Coach Norman Dale in "Hoosiers," who wrangles players, parents, faculty and community alike in his determination to make a difference. Anxious to defy and break segregation, he finds himself running up against brick walls. The coach often conflicts with the Headmaster, who feels that Braughner is threatening his own slow but steady efforts toward integration. On both teams, the kids are at war with the racial status quo perpetuated by their parents and society. In his debut appearance, Sean Squire stars as Travis Porter, the star basketball player who walks a thin line between moving up in life or becoming another bum in the projects.

"Passing Glory" is a true story written by actor Harold Sylvester ("Married with Children") who was the star player on the original team and was elemental in bringing about integration of athletics and college teams in the state of Louisiana. With a production crew that boasts the talents of Quincy Jones and director Steve James ("Hoop Dreams"), it is disappointing that this movie does not come together better.

Continually tempting the viewer with thought-provoking and almost moving scenes, "Passing Glory" often loses the ball. Hurt by a weak and nonchalant performance by Squire and the supporting cast as well, the choppy storyline allows little time for character development. Braugher seems to be alone on the far end of the court with his profound portrayal of the idealistic priest. Torn provides a strong presence on the screen, but is never given the opportunity to fully explore his potentially interesting character.

"Passing Glory" works best as a pastiche of life in the South during the turmoil of the '60s. At its worst, it is only an indifferent telling of a potentially inspiring story. What can be taken away from this movie is a little more understanding of the contrasting attitudes of the older and younger generations during the civil rights movement.

02-19-99