You have to admire a film as earnest — if not completely heartfelt and sincere — as "The Basket." But that still doesn't mean you have to enjoy it.

In fact, this independently produced and released drama is all the more disappointing because it has so much going for it.

For one thing, it's one of the few family-oriented movies out there that is trying to promote positive values, and it's one with a worthwhile message about racial tolerance and understanding.

However, "The Basket" counters every clever move with a really bad one. It's a case of a movie that's just too predictable, corny and heavy-handed for its own good.

But considering that the results are only a notch above one of those movies made for the Lifetime cable network, it's still a good-looking piece, with a talented cast.

Leading the pack is Peter Coyote, who stars as Martin Conlon, the new teacher in a small Washington town, circa World War I.

Martin has some fancy ideas to teach his students and the skeptical townspeople about acceptance. He also introduces them to a new sport called basketball, which stresses teamwork and cooperation. To his surprise, he finds his ideas fall on deaf ears.

In a similar boat are immigrants Helmut and Brigitta Brink (newcomers Robert Karl Burke, Amber Willenborg), who are hoping to be accepted by their classmates — despite the fact that they're German, and as such, are perceived as being "the enemy."

But it appears that basketball may be the solution to all of their problems. Helmut has been practicing, as have some of the other students, and they start a team. And some of the locals seem to be coming around to Martin's way of thinking, including farm wife Bessie Emery (Karen Allen).

So, as a last-ditch effort, Martin arranges for the local boys to play against a "pro" team from Spokane — a contest that promises to bring everyone together — or maybe tear them apart.

There are four screenwriters (or two teams of them) credited for the script, which is indicative of its messy nature. It's as if the film is being pulled in different — and not necessarily compatible — directions.

Also, director Rich Cowan's pacing is too slow, which would be fine if the story and characters were more interesting.

But again, it is very well photographed (kudos to cinematographer Dan Heigh), and the cast tries valiantly to salvage things. (Though the silly German accents by both of the newcomers and the attempt at "Bostonese" by Coyote are a mistake.)

"The Basket" is rated PG for some athletic roughhousing and scenes depicting war violence, as well as use of some ethnic slurs. Running time: 104 minutes.

You can reach Jeff Vice by e-mailat jeff@desnews.com