"Coach" has the formulaic kids-teach-coach-how-to-succeed-in-life same old drivel written all over it. And it never rises above.
Hugh Dancy plays Coach, built from the same mold as Hugh Grant in "About A Boy". I like Hugh Dancy but even he isn't able to make this film very likable. He stars as a rich trust-fund slacker, and when his girlfriend dumps him he realizes he needs to find a job to finally grow up. So he coaches kids soccer, where we find the usual misfit kids who he is able to bring together and they show him a thing or two about growing up. From the outset he's a good coach but in the usual, lame way - this film didn't add anything new or intelligent.
I was disappointed with the romantic comedy story line, as his love interest didn't add any comedy, and her character wasn't redeeming in any way. Also very poorly cast (that girl is definitely not a doctor).
The other main problem with this film trying its hand at romantic comedy is that it alienates its audience. With the mild sexual content I don't think it's meant for kids and most adults would want to go for something more intelligent. It would be suitable for teenagers but they aren't given any characters to relate to.
"Coach" ultimately does nothing wrong, but its very disappointing that they couldn't add any bit of originality or thought to this tired formula.
