Quantum Hoops (2007)

82% of critics liked it
(22 reviews)
85% of users liked it
(212 ratings)

UCSB alumnus Rick Greenwald documents the final week of the Caltech basketball team's 2006 season. The Caltech team's 240-game conference losing streak has spanned two decades, and this season's lineup includes five valedictorians who never played high-school basketball. David Duchovny narrates as… More UCSB alumnus Rick Greenwald documents the final week of the Caltech basketball team's 2006 season. The Caltech team's 240-game conference losing streak has spanned two decades, and this season's lineup includes five valedictorians who never played high-school basketball. David Duchovny narrates as the determined athletes search for that ever-elusive single win. Despite being mocked by opposing fans and facing remarkable adversity, the Caltech players strive to maintain the dedication, discipline, and heart of a championship team. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Rick Greenwald
Genres: Documentary, Sports & Fitness, Special Interest

In Theaters: Nov 2, 2007 Wide

Critic Reviews

Kyle Smith, New York Post
Revenge of the Nerds minus laughs plus inspirational music equals Quantum Hoops.
Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News
Amiable if easily distracted movie.
Nathan Lee, New York Times
Wry, good-natured picture.
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Couldn't the film have told the story of a single season or explored what it means for a team of genius scientists and math whizzes not to crack the code of their failure? We get glimpses and glosses but never a story.
Leba Hertz, San Francisco Chronicle
A fascinating look into student life of the past and present.
John Anderson, Variety
Although Greenwald has made a fairly lighthearted film, replete with playful graphics and humorous digressions, it does prompt some serious reflection on what college sports are really all about.
Jennifer Merin, About.com
Cal Tech basketball team's story is subject of Rick Greenwald's captivatingly quirky Quantum Hoops, a film that's as smart as its subjects--the team of smart players who continue to push their game although they consistently lose.
Jonathan W. Hickman, Entertainment Insiders
Quantum Hoops is a terrific film.
Cynthia Fuchs, PopMatters
One of Quantum Hoops' favorite distractions from actual games is to look at the charmingly nerdy lives of Caltech students.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The combination of David Duchovny's wry narration and the genuine charm of Greenwald's subjects is pretty tough to resist.
Drew Toal, Time Out New York
David Duchovny narrates this inspirational account of Caltech's 2006 basketball season (yes, the school has a team, and at the time of filming, the squad had not won in 21 years).
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Scratching your head because you don't know why David Duchovny provides narration for Rick Greenwald's Quantum Hoops? Hint: the truth is out there.
Eric Campos, Film Threat
I'm not a basketball fan in the slightest, but I will admit to being wrapped up in the tension of this incredibly rousing finale. After watching this inspiring documentary, I'm sure you'll feel the same way.
Ted Fry, Seattle Times
While it may not be the most absorbing subject for a feature documentary, the hoop dreams of a brainiac team that wants to win just once does make for an amusing diversion, especially with another season of college-bracket fever upon us.
Brian Orndorf, BrianOrndorf.com
A pleasurable feature film that can't help but fall in love with these perennial losers...narrated with wonderful highball sincerity by David Duchovny.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Everyone loves an underdog, but this is ridiculous!
Marty Mapes, Movie Habit
America loves its athletes, but the scholars are just as driven, determined, and successful
Bruce Feld, Film Journal International
An unpretentious but goodhearted tale of exceptional intellectuals surviving a state of perpetual frustration.
Evan Henerson, Los Angeles Daily News
These teams may be genuinely awful, or simply overmatched, but [director]Greenwald honors them, their brainy players and their Job-like coaches alike.
Chad Greene, Boxoffice Magazine
Quantum Hoops -- the debut documentary from Rick Greenwald -- is an absolute slam-dunk.

Read all 20 critic reviews

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