Jayrok
Footballguy
My wife and I caught this movie this past weekend. I enjoyed it even after thinking several times how corny it was with below average acting and overly dramatic music in many scenes. I felt the director often tried too hard to make it inspirational.
The on-field action is typical for the inspirational sports movie. The star RB, when determined, plows through would be tacklers like a fresh Christian Okoye in Super Techmo Bowl on his way to yet another TD. Undersized linemen show how heart overcomes size and strength. Prima donna WR who puts himself above the team. Lots of decleating tackles by the good guys, and so forth.
The movie is predictable and has more than its share of cliches and story lines of some other movies. A little bit of Remember the Titans, some Boyz in the Hood, a smidge of The Blind Side, and even a drop of Rudy for good measure. And don't forget Varsity Blues, Friday Night Lights and Invinsible. It even had a scene reminiscent of White Men Can't Jump. It has the requisite over-bearing father who puts a great deal of pressure on his athletic son. The only thing missing is a special needs equipment manager (Radio).
It seems audiences like the movie but critics not so much (at least on RT). Perhaps that has something to do with its obvious Christian undertones, I'm not sure. The story has a good message... building responsible young men with character is more important than winning ball games and the team is more important than the individual.
Despite a few eye-rolling moments, I really enjoyed it. It is rated PG with no bad language that I can remember. Overall, a good movie the whole family can see. There aren't enough of those, IMO.
3.5 out of 5 for me.
It wasn't the best sports movie but I enjoyed it. It is certainly a wait for rental flick.
