Director Tim Blake Nelson (Eye of God) helms this embarrassing adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello that's set in a present-day prep school. Odin James (sharp newcomer Mekhi Phifer) is a star basketball player worshipped by Coach Duke Goulding (an apoplectic yet still-presidential Martin Sheen). Goulding's son and Odin's pal, Hugo (the overhyped Josh Hartnett), tries to turn Odin against his girlfriend Desi (Julia Stiles), in the process making sure the MVP gets benched before the Big Game. Take that, Dad. Lies, jealousy, self-esteem issues, adolescent sexuality, the "N" word, kids with BMWs, kids with guns, yadda-yadda. Two bright spots are Rain Phoenix as Hugo's much-misused girlfriend Emily and Andrew Keegan as scapegoat Michael Casio. Scriptwriter Brad Kaaya draws upon his own experience as the only black student at an all-white high school. There's a slick rap soundtrack and glossy cinematography -- but for the most part, the filmmakers have loved their source neither wisely nor very well. At the Entertainment (Swansea only) and Showcase cinemas.