The Way Back (2020)
Jack Cunningham is an alcoholic ironworker who is separated from his wife, Angela. While at Thanksgiving dinner with his family, they express concern about his drinking and isolating habits. The next day, Jack receives a call from Father Devine at his former Catholic high school, Bishop Hayes. Devine asks him to step in as the school’s basketball coach, as the previous coach has suffered a heart attack. Jack is introduced to assistant coach and algebra teacher Dan, as well as the team members. He learns that Bishop Hayes has not gone to the playoffs since he was a student, and that interest has dropped significantly, leaving the team with only six varsity players.
The team plays their first game against Memorial, a larger school with a talented team. Trailing significantly and frustrated at a perceived lack of effort, Jack benches Marcus and demands the team play tougher. Nevertheless, Bishop Hayes loses. Jack begins to institute strategic changes to the team, adopting a full-court press defense and a focus on conditioning to make up for the team’s relative lack of size and talent. The team is initially annoyed by the stricter practices and Jack’s aggressive attitude, but soon grow to respect him. Jack’s changes result in a close game which Bishop Hayes eventually wins. Jack encourages Brandon, a quiet student, to develop his leadership skills and to be more vocal on the court. He eventually names him team captain.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Ben AffleckJack Cunningham  Al MadrigalDan  Janina GavankarAngela  Michaela WatkinsBeth  Glynn TurmanDoc  Todd StashwickKurt  Brandon WilsonBrandon |
Jack Cunningham is an alcoholic ironworker who is separated from his wife, Angela. While at Thanksgiving dinner with his family, they express concern about his drinking and isolating habits. The next day, Jack receives a call from Father Devine at his former Catholic high school, Bishop Hayes. Devine asks him to step in as the school’s basketball coach, as the previous coach has suffered a heart attack. Jack is introduced to assistant coach and algebra teacher Dan, as well as the team members. He learns that Bishop Hayes has not gone to the playoffs since he was a student, and that interest has dropped significantly, leaving the team with only six varsity players.
The team plays their first game against Memorial, a larger school with a talented team. Trailing significantly and frustrated at a perceived lack of effort, Jack benches Marcus and demands the team play tougher. Nevertheless, Bishop Hayes loses. Jack begins to institute strategic changes to the team, adopting a full-court press defense and a focus on conditioning to make up for the team’s relative lack of size and talent. The team is initially annoyed by the stricter practices and Jack’s aggressive attitude, but soon grow to respect him. Jack’s changes result in a close game which Bishop Hayes eventually wins. Jack encourages Brandon, a quiet student, to develop his leadership skills and to be more vocal on the court. He eventually names him team captain.
