This absorbing drama from Gus Van Sant echoes his earlier film Good Will Hunting, as intellectual aspirations clash with the much more prosaic demands of life in "the hood". Here it's the Bronx rather than South Boston, home to the JD Salinger-like William Forrester (Sean Connery, who also co-produced), a reclusive writer seemingly crippled by the success of his first novel some 30 years ago. After a fortuitous if contrived meeting, he befriends black teenager Jamal (impressively played by newcomer Rob Brown), a basketball ace with a brilliant literary streak and an intelligence that he's forced to downplay. An unlikely friendship grows, as Forrester recognises and nurtures this talent - despite opposition from F Murray Abraham's malicious tutor. Despite its familiarity of theme, this has a thoughtful mood that transcends manipulated cosiness. It's also an astute choice of role for Connery, who belies his advancing years with an outstanding and vigorous portrayal of the blocked writer.

Gus Van Sant tells the story of a young African American man named Jamal who confronts his talents while living on the streets of the Bronx. He accidentally runs into an old writer named Forrester who discovers his passion for writing. With help from his new mentor Jamal receives a scholarship to a private school.