Movie Review: When the Game Stands Tall

When Game Stands Tall

 

 

I just saw When the Game Stands Tall in the theaters and greatly enjoyed the movie.

When the Game Stands Tall tells the true story of Coach Bob Ladouceur and the 151 winning streak he accomplished.

The movie picks up near the end of the streak, with several challenging and life altering events that effect Coach Ladouceur and the team.    One of the most heartbreaking is the tragic death of one of the De La Salle High School Spartans football players, Terrance “T.K.” Kelly.

Jim Caviezel as Coach Ladouceur

Jim Caviezel as Coach Ladouceur

All along, Coach Ladouceur reminds his football players that it is not about the streak, but the character of which the game is played.

When De La Salle loses a game, ending their unprecedented streak, Coach Ladouceur and the rest of the team are challenged to pull together and face if they have been living what they have been saying.

The ending is very moving and a wonderful tribute!

Jim Caviezel, best known for his portrayal of Jesus, in The Passion of the Christ, portrays Coach Ladouceur.   Michael Chiklis, from The Commish and The Shield, is his assistant coach, Terry Edison.

This is a movie that you don’t feel ashamed to watch in a theater with your children.   There is no profanity.   The biggest concern is the violence when T. K. Kelly is shot, although it is no worse than what children see on television every day.

This is a movie that you don’t feel ashamed to watch in a theater with your children.   There is no profanity.   The biggest concern is the violence when T. K. Kelly is shot, although it is no worse than what children see on television every day.

Team and Cast of When the Game Stands Tall

Team and Cast of When the Game Stands Tall

I do not enjoy sports of any kind, but  found myself pulling for and cheering on De La Salle on more than one occasion throughout the movie.

The movie focuses on the positive aspects a sports program can have on young people, but also how some can allow such fame and notoriety to go to their heads.

The film has a good message and focuses on the importance of character and faith regardless of the results.

I would definitely recommend this movie from older children and up.   If you like, Facing the Giants, you’ll enjoy this film.

For more information and trivia on the true story verses the film, click here.

Have you seen the film?  What were your thoughts?

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.