SUE’S REVIEWS: WHEN THE GAME STAND TALL “When the Game Stands Tall” is a 115 minute PG-Rated Sports Drama directed by Thomas Carter starring Jim Caviezel (Bob Ladouceur), Alexander Ludwig (Chris Ryan), Michael Chiklis (Terry Edison), Laura Dern (Bev Ladouceur) and Clancy Brown (Mickey Ryan). The movie is an adaptation of Neil Hayes’ book by the same name (2003). It is the incredible true story of Bob Ladouceur, the legendary football coach of the De La Salle High School Spartans from Concord, CA, who had a 151 game winning streak from 1992-2003, a record that was better than any in all sports. The movie begins as the Spartans are preparing for their 151st game. It is primarily about the personal and professional events following the end of the winning streak. It documents Ladouceur’s inspirational faith-based message which stressed integrity, brotherhood and humility over arrogant athletic ability and a winning record. I love this movie and think that anyone who is interested in sports (especially football), history and inspirational stories will like it as well. While watching the film, I thought the casting and acting of Jim Caviezel was too dull and deadpan for this legendary coach but when they showed real life videos of Ladouceur at the closing credits, I changed my opinion. Caviezel’s portrayal of this great coach and man, who inspired much more than athletic excellence, is spot on. “When the Game Stands Tall” is not just about amazing wins on the gridiron or one individual great coach but it is about the value of teamwork. That may sound cliché-ish but in this movie, it works. The story has several ups and downs and twists and turns which add to the drama throughout the movie until the very last play. I loved hearing the audience, especially the young children, laugh out loud at the funny scenes and cheer at the sports highlights. I was laughing and cheering with them. My favorite scene involves a dramatic and emotional visit to a Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Center for wounded warriors which affected the attitude of the football players and changed their lives. I have only a few minor criticisms of this moving and inspirational film. I think it should have included a prologue giving details of Ladouceur’s hiring and the state of the De La Salle Spartans before the remarkable winning streak began. The epilogue could have included more facts about the fate of the star players after graduation. The product placement for Dick’s Sporting Goods is too prominent in more than one scene and seems to be an endorsement for the company. Stay for all the closing credits which include still photos and video footage of Ladouceur and comments by NFL Hall of Fame Coach John Madden. I give “When the Game Stands Tall” an 8.0 on the ABBONDANZOMETER (Scale of 1-10).
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 19:26:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015