The biggest problem Remember the Titans is going to have is selling itself to a British audience. Even Channel 4 has given up showing the Superbowl live so what chance does a film about American football really have.

"I don't like you" "Well, I don't like you either"

The producer's will no doubt hope the presence of Denzil Washington will pull a few fans in. And it's to be hoped the strategy works because Remember the Titans is a very good film.

It's based on a true story about a black coach, Herman Boone (Washington), who takes over at a newly integrated Virginia high school back in the early 1970's.

"Hey guys, it's the stereotypical no hope fat guy. I bet he's a winner by the end of the film."

The locals aren't impressed, especially when successful white coach Yoast (Patton) loses his position.

It's black against white, town against individual, but when the college football side starts winning all their games the team unites, the town unites and it's the college football system's racism which comes under scrutiny.

What makes this film better than many is the presence of so many strongly defined characters. True, many are stereotypical. You have the fat white no hoper who makes good, the wise cracking black kid, the black and white pack leaders who don't get on but end up being best buddies. Somehow it all works.

We've won the game and overcome prejudice. Must be the end of the film!

If there is a fault it's the speed at which the film dispenses with the problems faced integrating a school in the American south. There are isolated incidents - the first day at school and a brick thrown through Coach Boone's house. But the coming together of the community seems too easily achieved.

Stick with the film, however, and you'll be rewarded with that feel good feeling. And if it does help reduce racism in sport, all the better.