It's not often that sports films challenge for a five-star rating, but this one comes mighty close. Only an over-the top last few minutes from the script and a surfeit of slow-motion that stops the adrenalin flowing cost David Anspaugh's basketball hymn-to-the-underdog a gold medal. Otherwise, folks (to home in on the film's own tone), this is a real top-notcher which does all the right things by its familiar elements. And it has the inestimable Gene Hackman, as the long-banned sports coach called back from pasture by an old friend - the headmaster of tiny Hickory High. Everying goes wrong at first: firebrand Hackman kicks one player off his already small squad, upsets the acting coach and gets himself thrown off the touchbench for yelling at the referee. Last year's star refuses to play, and one of the team's fathers (Dennis Hopper, Oscar-nominated), an ex-basketball coach, turns out to be the town drunk. You could jot down some of the subsequent developments before you see tham but, thanks to some crafty editing and sensible camera coverage of Hackman's fevered touchline participation, foreknowledge won't stop you getting to your feet to cheer the Hickory team on. Poor processing takes the edge off Fred Murphy's colour photography, but performances are whole-hearted and team members nicely individualised. Best shot is right.

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