When the Game Stands Tall

First, let me say, I LOVE sports movies--any sport, even if I'm not a fan. Pro, College, High School--even "The Sandlot" (a GREAT movie, by the way). Having lived in the Bay Area during "The Streak," and seeing the previews a few times, I was REALLY looking forward to seeing this film and went with a pocketful of Kleenex.

I am beginning to wonder if filmmakers put TOO much of the good stuff in their trailers. There weren't many other big moments in this movie that I hadn't seen in the weeks prior. It's a GREAT story, but just a good movie. I don't agree with some others that it's "too preachy." This is a Catholic High School, where kids are required to take religion classes. They aren't always about scripture, but about morals and ethics and leading a good life (regardless of your religion or no religion). Without this element, I don't think Coach Lad would have been as successful as he was. (And yeah, he probably "recruited" a bit, too).

The football scenes were very well done and exciting--not sure how much creative license was given there to create the nail biting finishes. I just felt the family dynamics and the player comraderie could have been delved into a little more deeply. Why tease us with bits and pieces and then not follow through? I also enjoy, at the end of such "real life" movies, to find out "where are they now?" It would have been nice to see what some of boys-who-became-men-through-football are up to now.

Out of curiosity, I did a bit more research and found that 2 of the main character/players were composites, which bothered me not because of the creative process, but because the most unlikable kid in the film is black. It bothered me when I watched the film, but I thought, OK, that's a real person. But it isn't. We don't need Hollywood to fuel racial bigotry.

So go see it--you'll come out of the theater a little bit better of a person. It's no "Brian's Song" or "Field of Dreams," but it's not The Bad News Bears" either.

Sports movies, a compromise of two great pastimes rolled into one blockbuster smash hit. We've had a variety of movies about the various sports from hockey to baseball, however the popular trend in the modern age seems to be football. Why football seems to be the sport where all miracles happen I don't know, but nevertheless this weekend adds another work to the ever-growing library. My final review to close the weekend out is on When the Game Stands Tall. What does this movie have in store for you? Read on to find out.

We know the general formula for a team-based film: team gets built; they start looking good, hit a few obstacles, and come back stronger than ever. This movie is no different in the grand scheme of things, but changes the order slightly to give a little deviation from the norm. At the beginning we get introduced into the legendary De La Salle football team, a high school sports program that goes on a 151 win streak via live footage. From there we meet a few key players in the story, as the passing of the rights as well as the fundamental morals on which the program is built on are told. After that it becomes the familiar drama that seems to accompany this movie, though in this case it is about the Streak. The cultural shock rips away their pride, taking its toll on every member of the team that, when combined with a few other incidents revealed in the trailers, creates the "story". It's predictable, and lacks originality, as most football movies are, yet somehow the movie is still entertaining. This may be partly due to the simplistic comedy in the movie. A few of the players have some choice lines that are well timed to maximize their humor. There are also a few comical scenes as well, both in training and on game footage that gave me a few chuckles.

However, the story is not really the powerful part of the movie here, but more so the morals within it. The legendary coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel) has a great approach to many of life's lessons and struggles. Almost every line contains some teaching about finding yourself, understanding the true qualities to appreciate in the given circumstances. Fame, fortune, a winning streak are all addressed by this man and his staff as they try to drive home honest morals into the players. Yet the coach isn't some holier than thou man, no he has some lessons to learn on his own as well and goes through the journey with his team. But the morals aren't just loaded into one man's dialogue, but also in the presentation of numerous scenes. From the combination of music and visuals, the audience will feel the full emotional force of the scene at hand. I found myself getting goose bumps during some of the more inspirational moments, a tribute to the strength movie magic can have. I have to admit that much of this movie is preachy and done in the manner to bring you into the locker room. However it got stale, and loss the shine it held at the beginning of the film, proving once again overuse of any movie aspect can lose effect.

As for the game scenes, they too are some of the better sequences I've experienced in a long time. Unlike other movies, where one gets glimpses of the game, When the game stands tall manages to create some decent games that are filled with action and flare. Again, music helps bring you into the moment, the symphony from the orchestra psyching you up and filling you with energy. What is even better for me in this film is that this game wasn't just glorifying the main team, but actually showed their failings too. That's right we get to see other teams scores in some well coordinated plays to give you a true game, and not a one sided blitz. Overall, these scenes are also dolled up with a lot of movie flare and zest, but it does add more entertainment to break away from the distraught in the drama. That isn't to say there isn't drama in the game itself, but it has a different twist to keep things interesting and balanced.

When the game stands tall is a decent sports film, still filled with the movie magic flare that Hollywood pumps into it. Those who lack emotion will be bored and find most of the movie cheesy and rather bland. While I didn't mention the acting, due to the numerous characters, the cast in this film did a great job bringing the team to life, in particular Caviezel who stole most of the show. The biggest audience I can recommend coming to see this film are sports enthusiasts, those who love Remember the Titans, and drama lovers who actually enjoy embracing their emotions. This is a movie filled to the brim with pride, and should be a good fix for those awaiting the next sports masterpiece. However, I would recommend waiting for the movie to come out on DVD/Netflix ,because you can get longer games for practically free on your entertainment console, though I can't guarantee as much excitement. My scores for When The Game Stands Tall are:

Drama/Sport: 7.5-8 Movie Overall: 7.0

I found it entertaining and it left me with a warm feeling. Solid performances help to enhance this incredible story of sport and courage. This one is an austere, gripping movie about surviving against the odds. It tells the journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur, who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport. What I like best is how the director lets the actors breathe and the music lets the atmosphere live. It reminds me of some of those sombre Japanese films that were popular back in the 1990. By the end, we feel that we have learned a great deal about the characters and the community that produced them.

Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel) has an unbelievable record at De La Salle High School in Concord, California. As the private high school's football coach, he has won an amazing 149 games in a row. Then, the team wins two more and finishes out the season with the conference crown and 151 win record. Amazing! It is shown, carefully, that this has to do with the coach's unique methods and abilities. Yes, he can recruit from a big area around San Francisco and Oakland. But, moreover, he inspires the athletes to work as a team and to write down their commitments to the sport and to a well-lived life. Very admirable this is. Two inner city players are rewarded with scholarships to the University of Oregon. But, things are not always perfect as they seem. For one, Coach Bob has neglected his family of wife, Bev (Laura Dern) and two sons, at times, causing his older son, the team's new quarterback, to smolder with inner anger. Then, Bob himself is a secret smoker, which results in a near-fatal heart attack. Its uncertain if he can continue coaching. Sadly as well, one of his players is killed in an act of random gun violence. Another player is being bullied and shamed by an abusive father. Then, even when Bob is given the chance to coach the team again, the band loses their first game in 152 tries! Will the team and Bob fall apart? This fine film is most inspiring and is based on an equally inspiring true story. Caviezel, one of this viewer's FAVORITE ACTORS, handles the nuances of his role very well and is a great hero on screen. Dern and all of the others, especially the teens, do outstanding work, too. With gorgeous scenery, wonderfully re-enacted football games and a well-paced direction, this film is tops for families, football fans, and those who want movies with a Christian theme. Rah, rah, rah, indeed!

As a member of team who previewed the movie, I have seen this 6 times and customarily, I HATE to see movies over and over but this is a GREAT movie. I am also not a huge football fan. This movie has a great message about family, character and why one should do anything they enjoy...win is great but it's more than that. This says a great deal about the character of the coach, his staff, his family and HIS players. I will have to read the book now. There is everything from elation to heartbreak; you will find yourself dancing and you may shed a tear. I enjoyed NOT having to cringe through nudity, bullets, and f-bombs.

I recommend EVERYONE go see this. It's a great family film and it has something for everyone.