Others say...

"knights of south Bronx--"
Ted Danson is at his best in this movie about a famous chess teacher. He takes a class room of kids that haven't got a clue about what education do for them and transforms their thinking and gives them ideas about the future! The typical stereo -type antagonist is the whites or well to do that think they are unstoppable in the chess tournaments. It is an excellent feel good movie I can recommend to all. There is a little bit of bad language, especially the drug addict mother.

"good family entertainment"
The movie is excellent. The language is family oriented-the story is well written- I was in the field of elementary education as a teacher and an elementary school principal in a big urban area and I think it could be used to encourage kids to succeed in life.

"Excellent movie but a little too gritty for younger kids"
The movie was great. I enjoyed it. The child actors are good, and Ted Danson is just excellent. By and large, the actors, the storyline, and the chess seem credible, realistic and on target. As a chess player, I could see that the chess teaching techniques used are textbook, so there is nothing fake or phony about this story.

I'm a believer in the main message of the movie, that I chess is able to boost a child academically, and that..."chess is a battle of the mind....it does not care who you are, what color you are, or where you come from..."

Having just taught my 5 year old daughter how to play chess, I find that the grittiness of the South Bronx depicted in the film, and the bad language used is too much for my daughter's view right now. This is a pity, but the producers and directors are "keeping it real". I respect that but I wish that they came out with a more family friendly version with over-dubbing of the language.

The last scene in the movie showing the animated ninjas on the board was a little hokey and unnecessary.

"EXCELLENCT MOVIE"
This was a very touching movie,...the only thing i didnt like was the typical story of inner city kids being taught by upper middle class gentleman and making a difference in their lives....etc...

However the story is still very touching and the characters in this film really grip you. Especially Dawson, great family movie...plus I am a chess player and I learned a few things.