Facing the Giants
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Movie Reviews of Facing the Giants
Movie Review: Inspirational and funny and a good movie all around...
Summary: 5 Stars
Besides being inspirational and a good family film, "Facing the Giants" has some very funny situations. One of the funniest scenes is the one in which the two assistant coaches are talking about historical events. Since one of my high school history teachers was a jock football coach and not too swift in history, I particularly got a kick out of the scene.
One of the reviewers who admitted to not being a Christian mentioned that the plot was trite and obvious and that the acting was terrible.
My family is not evangelical Christian, but we found the movie sweet, funny, and uplifting. The message of the Gospel is not going to be understood or embraced by all, but there have been acquaintances inspired by this movie. And even if one was to cover their ears and ignore the scenes in which God is mentioned, praised, or exalted, there are plenty of other scenes which simply reflect the little nuances of real life and everybody's desire for happiness or a quest for a direction in life.
For those who cannot get beyond their embarrassment or hatred of some peoples' love for a Creator and Savior, it might appear to be a "preachy" movie. But for those "not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ", we know the message to be true, and it resonates. Everything really IS better in our lives when we accept that we humans have a very difficult time "going it alone".
As for the reviewer's comments that the movie has a trite, obvious outcome, well...okay. So most Hollywood movies today have good, serious actors and surprise plot twists with unexpected outcomes? Uh-huh. Get real. Hollywood has been learning with their box office busts of the last several years that people don't want the garbage that passes for "real life" or "good movies". People are no longer spending their money or time to go see excessive violence or voyeuristic sex scenes, or to endure the bad and literally uncommunicative "cave language" (limited and repetitive four letter words standing in for real language) we encounter in the world each and every day.
And, for the record, the acting in "Facing the Giants" was just fine. The lead actor, Alex Kendrick, reminded me a little of Dan Ackroyd, and the lead actress, of Reese Witherspoon in "Sweet Home in Alabama".
Sweet, happy endings are what the movies have been mostly about...at least the ones that everybody remembers and loves through the decades.
"Facing the Giants" is a refreshing movie which will make your family laugh and cry and, for the Christians who see it or for those inlined toward accepting the Gospel, it will give a new appreciation for faith, prayer, and our access to God.
Movie Review: Now this is a great movie
Summary: 5 Stars
There is a tendency for Christian movies to be low budget, cheesy and far removed from current times. I am a Christian and a Church Music director, so I can say those things. :) Times have changed somewhat, but we have a way to go. However, this is one is top notch. Everything is well done and rivals the best of Hollywood stories like Karate Kid, Mr. Holland's Opus and other inspirational films, but without the language and other things they may have, but instead God. Although God is the center of their lives and a vital part of the film, do not confuse this with films that might beat you over the head with it. However, they do not deny Him either. My understanding is that this was put down by some in the business because there was too much Christianity in it, but remember, we are talking Hollywood. If they were getting inspiration from any other source than God, it would be fine with them. I would say it has about the right mix. You are reminded that God wants to be in everyday life with you, but it is not too preachy.
In this film you see the team strive to give their best in every aspect of their lives, and see the rewards. You see how hard work and faith can make a big difference. One concern I have for this movie is that some might think that when they give it all to God, only good things will happen and their lives will be trouble free. This just isn't true. God doesn't promise us a life without pain or troubles, just that He is in control and that things will work out for good in the end. So, in other words, we will be battle scarred and maybe even lose some battles along the way, but in the end will prevail. This movie did show at least one setback that I recall which tested their faith and I did appreciate that. With that being said, many movies have tidy, wonderful endings and people are smart enough to realize that real life doesn't always work that way.
I think here they were going for the feel good ending too which as far as storytelling is the way to go with a feel good movie. Had the ending been different it would have been like the Karate Kid or Rocky (I presume I never saw the Rocky films) not winning at the end.
I do pray that people realize that even in a Christian's life there are wins and losses, and not expect God to be a genie or Santa Claus who hands out every thing they want. I think most people will hopefully not take the fact that the ending was a good day for the team and that it was in God's will that it be that way and not a guarantee that all days will be like that.
Even with those concerns, I highly recommend it. I do not think you will be disappointed.
Movie Review: 4 1/2 Stars...Laughs and Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Every year, another inspirational sports movie comes along with an underdog story. Every year, millions of us flock to the theaters to hang our hopes on the dreams of the-little-team-that-could. "Facing the Giants" is another in a long line of such films, adding a few twists of its own to the plot.
The Shiloh Christian Academy high school team has an unbroken string on the football field--six years without a winning season, under Coach Grant Taylor. The coach faces heat from players and parents, while also dealing with challenges on the home front. He and his wife are struggling financially, but this is nothing compared to their emotional struggles with infertility. As things go from bad to worse, Grant and his wife come to a crossroads. Will they face the giants of fear and failure? Or will they slink away and turn bitter? Their private battles are reflected in the increasing tensions on the gridiron. When Grant challenges his players (and himself) to examine their purpose as a team, the Shiloh boys have the chance to become men--fighting through the coach's infamous crawl," facing larger opponents, and dealing with their own issues at home.
The critical magnifying glass is always held up to artistic efforts dealing with faith. Whether its "Gandhi" or "The Passion of the Christ," audiences and critics in our tolerance-minded culture get antsy about such films. Ironically, our tolerance has made us wary of anything that takes a stand. And yes, "Facing the Giants" takes a stand. The directors take no pains to hide their beliefs. In fact, the story of a Christian school in southern Georgia calls for such an examination of faith under fire. A cameo appearance by Mark Richt, actual coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, furthers this message. While it may seem preachy to some, it is fitting within its framework, and there are life lessons here which have wisdom for all.
Humor, too, plays a big role. In a film with such serious elements, the script provides plenty of laughs to lighten the mood. It's this humor, this heart, which allow "Facing the Giants" to stand tall in the sports film genre. The cinematography is commendable, considering the film's budget, and the screenplay nicely paced. With a group of locals used for the cast, the filmmakers pull together a decent job of acting--with a few noticeable glitches, but also with some obvious talent revealed in the coach's assistants and wife. If you've grown up in the church, you'll find plenty to cheer for. If you've grown up outside that circle, you'll still find human elements to which we all relate.
Movie Review: Awesome! Inspiring!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just bought this dvd, and watched it 5 times in 2 days! I can't put it away. Honestly, I thought this was a weak movie during the first 15 minutes, the first time I viewed it. It did start slow, and I felt that the acting was a little weak! But the movie picked up pace as it went along, and had me on the edge of my seat by the end, each time I watched it. Toward the end, I was even impressed with the acting. For second rate and unknown actors, these guys are great!! The one scene, the "Death Crawl" scene during training, was an awe-inspiring, tear jerking, academy award performance scene that had me in tears!! That scene alone is a must see, and out-does, out-performes any scene in any other football movie I've seen to date, including Invincible, Friday Night Lights, and Remember the Titans (yes, even the Titans does not stand up to the Death Crawl!). The Football game scenes are perfect: very action pact, short enough, and to the point. They dont overwhelm you, and the scenes are great football! The movie centers around the coach, but you do start to feel for the team as a whole, and some of the key players do have their shining moments that support the movie. You cant help cheering for them, and you cant help loving the team! Yes, it is a Christian-Faith, Believe-in-God, Believe in the Bible movie. For those that believe, this supports your faith 100%. You couldnt ask for a better movie. It's what the bible is all about. For those that dont believe, still get a taste of what the Christian faith is all about, and still get to see how a coach and team pull themselves up from dust, and soar like eagles in the end! For those that dont believe, then this is just another way a team turned a losing season into a winning season. Who's to judge one method over another. In this movie, they chose to believe that God could make it possible, and for them, it worked! I rate this 5 stars. Any movie that can make me cry after the fifth viewing in 2 days, deserves nothing less. It is a clean movie, with no foul language, supporting good morals and good principles. And it is Inspiring! We need more stuff like this out on the market. I plan on buying more copies of this movie, and giving them as gifts to my friends. I hope you feel led to buy it, and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!Movie Review: I'm buying it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I rented this movie for the kids (and my husband who loooooves football)and I ended up enjoying it more than I thought. I was under the impression that it was just another football movie. They are usually good and instill a lot about teamwork and dedication, so I am not knocking football movies. Our kids play soccer and I am always up for a movie that has a lesson behind it and motivates them to try their best even if they are on a losing streak. This film took it to a whole other level. It truly showed how God can work even on trivial things like sports in order to achieve a bigger purpose. I have not prayed for my kids to win games, but to be honest...after seeing this movie I actually did. My daughter's soccer team (made up of pre-teen girls) has been on a losing streak this season. They lost nearly every game. We had a tournament recently and I asked that He show them how to work together as a team, and to let them see that their dedication of practicing 2-3 times per week was not a waste of time. I asked Him to let everything finally click with them so that they don't end up being discouraged from coming in at nearly last place for the season. Well, they won every game throughout the whole weekend. They beat every team that had beat them during the season and they made it all the way to the championship. The game went into two OT's before it had to be ended with penalty kicks!!! The other team scored just one more penalty kick than us, so we barely lost. But most importantly- God took them and showed them exactly what I asked. He showed them how to rise above any self-doubt they had and believe me- they were a completely different team. Don't get me wrong- I don't think He cares too much about who wins or looses in sports, but he cared about the fact that I asked him not to let their self-esteem be hurt by a terrible season. I asked Him to show them and let them feel how much He lives and believes in them. No one knew about this prayer except for God and me. This movie is a testament to God's awesome power and I just wanted to share my recent testament, as well. Brilliant movie. We need more like it!!!