"When the Game Stands Tall" is Inspiring and Fun for the Whole Family

 
    Who doesn't like a good sports movie, am I right? "When the Game Stands Tall" is one of those movies that really makes an effort to spread a specific, positive message and one that will leave you smiling as you walk out of the theater. The movie is an account of the De La Salle High School football team, brought out of obscurity by their legendary, inspiring coach Bob Ladouceur to a record-breaking 151 win streak. That's the premise, if you will. The story is really about life, loss, what it means to be inspired, and the true meaning behind the pursuit of happiness. The story aside, it's truly an inspiring film. Movies are definitely one of the greatest forms of entertainment, but to be moved or inspired from the stories portrayed is what makes the cinema a work of art.

   The story of the infamous De La Salle High School football team has reached national recognition. Their program is structured not only to teach kids to play football, but to ultimately make men out of them, a notion constantly pointed out time and time again throughout the film. The movie emphasizes the importance of family and unity. The team is built as the ultimate support system for any member of any background. This becomes more evident as the movie explores various backgrounds of some of the players, and even more so when the team loses their first game after winning 151 straight. The amount of hype, pressure and emotion that is come from the success they found on the field program can easily distract from the importance of life lessons. That's the idealism behind the program as well as the film, that the legacy built is not done on the field but how the men on the field react as life continues to move forward for them. There was some liberties taken with some of the facts and events, obviously for dramatic affect, (let's not forget, the movie still has to entertain) but the essence of the true tale is there and it's as inspiring now as when the actual events occurred.

   Jim Caviezel plays Coach Bob and, at times, is a bit stone-faced and flat. His performance is very reminiscent of his portrayal as John Reese in "Person of Interest". However, his body of work shows over and over that the guy is a solid actor. He comes off as the inspiring leader well enough for you to get the gist. The young actors of the football team are the unsung heroes. They do a great job portraying real people, rather than Hollywood's version of high school kids who typically look far too old and are far too perfect to be believable. Honestly, the best character in the film had the least amount of development and that was Terry Eidson, the assistant coach played by the awesome Michael Chiklis. The stereotypical side kick, if you will, Chiklis brought more believable aspects to his character than Caviezel did.
 
   "When the Game Stands Tall" is a great film for the whole family. It really is. The story of De La Salle is a special one among the sporting world, and especially for the East Bay Area where the events took place. The movie is inspiring, fun, with great football action and a wonderful message. If you're looking for movie to take the family to, which today is getting harder to do, this is a sure-fire win for everyone.