Woodlawn blends football with faith

Are you ready for some football?   The Superbowl is coming up soon, so I thought I'd review a football movie you may have missed when it hit theaters a few months ago.

Movie Title:     Woodlawn

Grade:  A-

Rating:  PG, 2 hours 3 minutes

In a Nutshell:    Based on a true story, Woodlawn High School’s glory emerges out of faith during the race wars in the 1960’s and 70’s. Directed by siblings Jon and Andrew Erwin, this film creates a powerful mixture of religion and gridiron drama.     

This is one of the better Christian movies I’ve seen in awhile.  It’s kind of like a Sunday School lesson with some football added in.  But it’s a really good Sunday School lesson. 

We’re told by the narrator, “Something’s bigger than football, bigger than winning.”  Sean Astin’s character (Hank) explains, “This is what happens when God shows up.”

Uplifting theme: 

•  The movie begins with a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

• “Some call what happened here a miracle, and there is only one explanation, only one way any of this could have happened.” – Coach Gerealds  (Nic Bishop)
•  “Rise up!” – preacher (DeVon Franklin)
• “Believe.  No fear.” – written on one of the player’s helmets
• “Adversity is the crucible of greatness.” – Coach Gerelds

Things I liked:

• Great sweeping music by Paul Mills.  Sometimes it’s a bit overdone for the moment, but I still really enjoyed it.
• Football fans will get to see some cool plays and crunches.  I’m always amazed how they film those scenes.
• I love the demonstration of the candles in the stadium.  Change can begin with only one person.  Expect to see Christians holding up 1 finger often.
• We tend to see the same actors in Christian movies, but this film introduces us to a lot of new faces, including Nic Bishop, who plays a likeable Coach Tandy Gerelds and the fantastic Caleb Castille, who plays Tony Nathan.
• I love Sean Astin in anything.  (How could you not love Mr. Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings?)
• Jon Voight and Sherri Shepherd play small roles, but are both nice additions.
• The relationships that are built are sweet and inspiring.  You care about the characters and their journey and growth.
• The “Jesus Revolution” really was featured in Time Magazine.  The very end of the movie shows footage from the famous stadium event that started it all, as well as an invitation to join the movement, listing dates in 2016 with websites for more information.  One thing I really admire about Christian movies lately is that they leave audiences with a call to action.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s definitely heavy on the preaching side.
• It’s fairly predictable, but still stirring.

Interesting lines:

• “A time and a place for everything.  Ain’t that what the good book says?” – Paul Bryant (Jon Voight)
• “Winning fixes just about everything, doesn’t it?” – Coach Gerelds
• “Let me tell you something Jesus said: ‘I am the way.  I am the truth.  I am the light.’ And that means something to me, because I let it mean something to me.” – Hank
• “I’m asking you to choose Jesus.  Can you do that?  Will you do that?” – Hank
• “What just happened?” – Coach Gerelds
• “I just let an untrained religious nut convert the whole team.  The whole team.” – Coach Gerelds

“Is that good or bad?” –  Debbie (Virginia Williams)

“I don’t know.” – Coach Gerelds

• “Why don’t you all go out there and show me what you believe.” – Coach Gerelds
• “Maybe God is testing us to see if our commitment is real, not just to win football games.” – Hank
• “When you play for yourself, you can be great, but when you play for something higher than yourself, something extraordinary can happen.” – Hank
• “I believe in what I can see.” – Coach Gerelds

“With all respect Coach, you better start looking around.” – Banks Assistant Coach (Danny Vinson)

“What is more important than winning football games?  You are.”  - Coach Gerelds

• “Do you believe in miracles?” – customer in insurance store

“Yes, I do.  I am one.” – Coach Gerelds

•  National Geographic wrote about the big game that’s featured in this movie as being “undeniably spiritual, supernatural even.” 

Tips for parents:   

• Birmingham bombings are mentioned in the beginning to show the terrible state of race relations that existed in 1970.  Young children and even teens may not know about those historical, turbulent times in Alabama.
• You might need to explain the principle of “separation of church and state” that this movie discusses.
• No profanity.  How refreshing.

Concussion earns Will Smith a Golden Globe nod

Movie Title:    Concussion

Grade:  A-

Rating:  PG-13

In a Nutshell:    Will Smith rightly deserves the Golden Globe nomination he earned from his role in this “David vs. Goliath” story.  His Nigerian accent is great and his depth of emotion superb.

This is not the typical underdog football story.   It’s based on the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, who tried to go head on with the National Football League when he discovered a medical link to brain damage and playing football.

The end of the movie mentions Junior Seau’s recent suicide.  I remember how traumatic that announcement was because Seau and his foundation had just given one of my sons a college scholarship.  We were heartbroken to hear the news.  I remember being shocked and wondered how someone who seemed to have everything would choose to end his life.  Now I understand a little better.  This film presents important information and does it in a very tasteful, interesting way.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Need is not weak.” – Dr. Bennet Omalu  (Will Smith)
• “You have to be the best version of yourself.  If you don’t know what that is, you pick something and fake it.” –  Dr. Omalu
• “If you know, you must come forth and speak.” – Prema Mutiso (Gugu Mbatha-Raw)
• “When you have truth, the thing you are told you cannot do is the thing you must do.  Embrace that and nothing created by man can bring you down.” – Prema
• “The gift of knowledge is a great gift, a dangerous gift.” – Dr. Omalu
• Guilt, integrity, honor, respect

Things I liked:

•  I loved the imagery and use of hands throughout the entire movie.
•  Alec Baldwin makes me laugh, even when he’s in a dramatic role.
• I always appreciate it at the end of movies when they tell you what has happened after the movie left off.  The statistics presented are sobering.
• I thought it did a good job being sensitive to all the football fans out there.
• Albert Brooks was made to look like a balding, older man.  Young fans will recognize his voice from the huge Pixar hit “Finding Nemo.”  They’ll be happy to know that he still has a full head of hair.  He provides some much needed humor to this cautionary tale.
• I appreciated the respectful discussion about religion vs. science.
• Paul Reiser and Luke Wilson play roles, although small ones in the film.

Things I didn’t like:

•  You will see a lot of football collisions and crunches.
• Fans hoping to see a lot of football action will be disappointed. 
• It’s tough to say who the target audience is for this film and who will or can take action after seeing it.

Funny lines:

•  “I had quite a revelation tonight.  This body was made for dancing.  When they say dancing machine, I am what they mean.” – Dr. Omalu

Interesting lines:

• “All we have to do is finish the game.  If we finish, we win.” – Mike Webster (David Morse)
• “I am not interested in common sense.  I’m interested in science.  Science is knowing.” – Dr. Joseph Maroon  (Arliss Howard)
• “The NFL owns a day of the week.” –  Dr. Cyril Wecht (Albert Brooks)
• “Everyone has been in the dark and you have turned on the light and given this Boogeyman a name.” – Dr. Julian Bailes  (Alec Baldwin)
• “Tell the truth.  Tell the truth!” – Dr. Omalu
• “There is no coincidence in this world.” – Prema
• “If you don’t speak for the dead, who will?” – Prema
• “You know, it is a mindless, violent game…and then it’s Shakespeare. I mean, to me, it’s like life that way.  I know you can’t see how exciting and beautiful all that is and I don’t blame you.” –  Dr. Bailes

Tips for parents:   

• There is some profanity.
• This is a serious, slow-moving “talking” movie that may bore young children.
• Discussion of suicide and miscarriage.

My All American hits football, faith, and family

Movie:     My All American

Rating:    PG, 1 hour 58 minutes

Grade:   B+

In a Nutshell:    This tale of gridiron glory is a true story that will inspire you and cause you to shed some tears, as long as you can get past some of the melodramatic  manipulation. 

Critics argue that the film is too squeaky clean in this predictable feel-good sports movie.  And that’s a problem because…?  Don’t we have enough cynicism and ugly in the world?  

Uplifting Theme:

·          “What makes a winner is knowing he can always try a little harder.” – Michael Steinmark (Michael Reilly Burke)

·         Persistence, tenacity, humility, hard work, brotherhood.

·         “Everything is bigger and better in Texas!” – Freddie

·         “We don’t care what people write about us.  We do not care what others say we can or cannot do.  Only those of us right here can tell that story.” – Coach Royal

Things I liked:

·         I always like watching Aaron Eckhart because he has the same eyes as one of my sons.  Coach Royal is impressively supportive.  He says to Freddie, “Whatever it is – you will meet the challenge and I will be here for you.”  Wouldn’t the world be different if we treated each other like that?

·         Finn Wittrock does a great job as Freddie Steinmark.

·         Sarah Bolger makes a cute blonde and a very sweet, devoted girlfriend to Freddie.  She says to him, “Whatever you are going through, I am going through.”  Did you know she was from Ireland?  You might recognize her from The Spiderwick Chronicles .

·         I love how they show the current Texas football players paying tribute to Freddie.  I especially love how you get to see pictures and film footage of the real people during the closing credits.  Hook 'em Longhorns!

·         Impressive hits and flips.

·         Good 60’s music that underscores the images and history of the era, including mentions of Vietnam, John F. Kennedy, and footage of Richard Nixon attending one of the games.

·         There is a LOT of football.  Even if you don’t understand the game, you’ll still appreciate the true story and inspiring message.

·         Touching moment of roommates in prayer.

·         Freddie's faith truly carries him through his challenges.  Religious people should support this film and celebrate the positivity.
      My sister taught for a year at the University of Arkansas and gave me one of those Razorback hats you see the fans wearing in the film.  Ha ha 

Things I didn’t like:

·         It's predictable and formulaic. 

      SPOILER ALERT:  The treatment of cancer is a Pollyanna one.

      There is a LOT of football.

      Some of the extras in the cast are pretty bad.

Funny lines:  

·          “You don’t have to like sports to like Freddie, just a pulse.” – Debbie  (Regan Goins)

·         “You run like you have a school of minnows in your pants.” – Coach Royal

·         “I fell in love faster than a hiccup.” – Coach Royal

·         “Yeah, I might be wrong, but I’m not confused.” – Coach Royal

Interesting lines:

·         “Gentlemen, football doesn’t build character.  It eliminates the weak.” – Coach Darrell Royal

·         “Freddie Steinmark was not an All-American.  No, he was MY All-American.” – Coach Darrell Royal

·         “The greatest disgrace is to quit or turn yeller.” – Lakewood Coach

·         “I hate to see you play at 90%.” – Bobby Mitchell (Rett Terrell)

Tips for Parents:

·         Some profanity, blood, and you see a guy in a jockstrap.

·         I love how supportive Freddie’s parents are.

·         Discussion of cancer and death.

·         Young children may get bored.

To learn more about the true Freddie Steinmark story:

Great football movies:

·         Remember the titans, blind side, Friday night lights

Superbowl Sunday Special movie review: When the Game Stands Tall

In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, I thought I'd post a movie review about gridiron glory:

Movie Title:   When the Game Stands Tall

PG, 1 hour 55 minutes

Grade:  B

• In a Nutshell:  Inspired by a true football story and the book with the same title, viewers are reminded that there are more important things in life than winning some game.  I always love it when movies based on true stories include footage from the real people at the end of the film.  A clip of the real “Coach Lad” plays while the credits are rolling at the end, which explains the movie’s main idea.  He says “Growing up is painful.  It’s not easy. But that’s what our program is about, in case you haven’t figured it out. It ain’t about the football.  It ain’t about scoring touchdowns.  And it ain’t about the winning streak.  It’s about a program moving you in a direction that will assist you and help you grow up…so when you take your place out in the world and out in society and out in our community you can be depended on.”

Uplifting theme:

• There’s no “I” in team.
• It’s not about how you fall, but how you get back up that matters.
• Coach Lad always reminded the players that he didn’t expect them to play perfectly, but to give a perfect effort.

Things I liked:

• I was impressed with the coaches who had each of the players write down training goals and game goals on “Commitment Cards.”  They reviewed them together before each game so that the teammates could help each other.  What a great idea for success.
• I loved Jim Caviezel in The Count Of Monte Cristo  In this role as Coach Ladouceur , it sometimes feels like he’s still playing Jesus in his most acclaimed role in The Passion Of The Christ Definitive Edition .
• The movie briefly spotlights a teen couple who take a “purity pledge” to save themselves for marriage.
• It was refreshing to see a coach and players freely talk about prayer and divine purpose, although critics say Coach Lad's pre-game pep-talks sound more like Christian sermons.  It's entirely appropriate, I think, since the players attend a Catholic school.  Besides, some high schools’ religion is football!
• I thought it was significant that the movie showed an obsessed dad (overacting Clancy Brown) who was really hard on his quarterback son (The Hunger Games Alexander Ludwig), saying “I want that record!”  When he became abusive, the coach warned “He’s not going to get it with a broken rib.”  Later, the dad yells to the coach’s wife (Laura Dern), “Your husband is costing my son his record!” to which she wisely, and softly says “My husband is turning your son into a man.  You’re the only person who doesn’t see it.” While raising 4 sons, I saw a lot of obnoxious parents act like jerks towards their kids and their coaches.  I thought the movie did a pretty good job pointing out that there are more important things than “the game.”  Sports can do a great job helping kids develop truly important qualities like sportsmanship, dedication, discipline, teamwork, etc.  Those characteristics are much more important than any score.

Things I didn’t like:

• I’ve always liked three-time Golden Globe winner Laura Dern ever since I first saw her in Jurassic Park .  She has a certain rasp to her voice, but in this movie, her voice sounds even more hoarse and I wondered if she was fighting a cold the entire time.  She was recently nominated for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress in Wild .
• Some may not be interested in the crunching violence of football.  Hey, this is a football movie.
• It’s pretty formulaic and predictable with clichéd characters written with very broad brush stokes, but it’s still inspiring.
• It's a good football movie, but it's not the greatest.  See my list below for other football flicks that I thought did it better.

Interesting lines:

•  “Love means you can count on me in good times and bad.” – Coach Ladouceur
• “Juniors, did you hear that?  That is a perfect commitment card: big goals that stretch his abilities, but are doable when giving the perfect effort.” - Coach Ladouceur
• “We’re not asking you to be perfect on every play.  What we are asking of you and what you should be asking of each other is to give a perfect effort from snap to whistle.”  - Coach Ladouceur
• “Family isn’t just blood relatives.  It’s anyone who loves you unconditionally.” – Coach Ladouceur
•  “Don’t let a game define who you are.  Let the way you live your lives do that.” – Assistant Coach Teddy Eidson (Michael Chiklis)
• “It’s not about the record.  It’s about the team.” – player

Funny lines:

• Do you know why they call me Buster?”   - football player on the Long Beach Poly team

     “Cuz you’re stupid enough to let them?” – De La Salle High School Spartan player

Tips for parents:    

• I appreciated the many situations where the players and coaches could have used profanity, but softened their words with substitutes like“heck”, etc.
• This is a safe movie that the whole family can watch together.  It includes many teachable moments that can spark good family discussion.

Did you know?

• De La Salle High didn’t win again until their 4^th game, when they played Archbishop Mitty of San Jose, CA.  They didn’t even play Long Beach Poly that season, as depicted in the movie.
• Film producer David Zelon loves inspiring sports comeback movies, such as Soul Surfer , which he previously produced.
• The entire movie was shot in only 41 days in New Orleans.
• Laura Dern's parents are actors Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern.

If you liked this game, here are some other football “feel-good” movies that I think you may enjoy even more: