UNST 101
Pastor Sam
2/2/10
Review
"Facing the Giants" was directed by Alex Kendrick, who was also casted in the film. This film did not get very high ratings, it had mediocre to poor cinematography, average acting, and a low budget set. This Christian film done by a church group, although not the typical "Hollywood" movie, inspired many across the nation. "Many sports movies are formulaic and predictable, meant to be shots of adrenaline for rousing moviegoers, bringing them to their feet, and sending them out of the theater inspired and uplifted. Occasionally, a sports movie rises above the formula, engaging the intellect with superb characterization and acting" (http://www.christianitytoday.com). "Facing the Giants," however inspired in a different way. The story was of a high school football team trying to compete with teams out of their league. Their coach tried hard to inspire them though his own life was spiraling down.
The reason why I think this film was as successful as it was is because it is very realistic and relatable. There is nothing perfect in this film, just like life. Also, religion is brought into this film on a different level. This film uses Jesus as an active character, carrying the players, people, and coach through difficult times.
My favorite part of the movie was when one of the football players carried another team member all the way across the field on his back, crawling. The coach pushed and yelled and told him to never give up. I made a connection between the coach and God because in times of desperation and exhaustion, He is there to tell us to keep going and never give up.
The evil aspect are the Giants, in the end they were defeated, like the story of Gideon. You can do anything through Christ who straightens you.
Nick Villegas
ReplyDeleteUNST
Facing The Giants
2 February 2010
Facing The Giants
Facing the Giants is an independent film about a middle aged football coach, Grant Taylor, and his road to success on and off the field. After many unsuccessful seasons the team Taylor coaches contemplates replacing him and taking the team in a new direction. Not only is Taylor in risk of losing his job, but he is the reason his wife cannot get pregnant, his car is failing him, and financial problems are catching up with him. Realizing he can’t solve all of his problems himself he decides to put God first. To go along with his new life philosophy, Taylor decides to give the team the same new philosophy of putting God in focus before each and every game. After that the team begins to win until they finally reach the championship. The movie was written by brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick and directed by Alex Kendrick(who also stars in the movie). Facing the Giants was released by Sherwood Pictures on September 29, 2006.
A very evident religious theme is used to draw people into this movie. This movie would very much appeal to a middle class church family because that is who the movie is based upon. Another technique used to draw viewers in is the whole football aspect of the movie. This part of the movie is likely to draw in the younger male crowd. The younger crowd will lose their attention span while watching this movie, but turn their heads every once in a while to see what all the commotion is about during the football games. A mature teen and even pre-teen is likely to get the message behind this movie because it is pretty straightforward. An adult will understand the straightforward message and will most likely also be able to relate to the dramatic themes playing throughout the movie.
The message within Facing the Giants is one that we’ve seen before while watching Shawshank Redemption. A message of hope and faith. Although the message might be the same, the hope and faith presented in Facing the Giants is of a different nature. What makes it of a different variation of hope and faith is that the coach, players, and people of the town of Shiloh are putting their hope and faith in God. This movie reminds us that we cannot solve the problems we have in our daily lives by our own power, because the stress and responsibility is just too much for us. If we just ask God to intervene and take control of our problems and burdens.......well, He will do just that.