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26/4/2008
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Facing the Giants (2006)
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I will admit to enjoying the odd sports movie. Certainly it is true to say that they all have essentially the same plot: losing team changes their outlook and makes good. They then face their biggest opponent at the end and score a moral victory at the end whether they win the game or not. Facing the Giants takes this premise and stretches it over a Christian storyline.
The story follows Grant Taylor a failing High School coach for a Christian School. His job is on the line, his wife cannot conceive and his car won't work... that and a skunk has died in his house. Essentially things aren't looking good and the football team is in trouble. So what does Grant do, he prays and after a visit from a strange character his life turns around and he is able to instill a new work ethic into his players turning their season around as well. I have already said the film follows the usual sports movie structure so that is all the plot that I need to mention. The main point of this film, however, is not the plot it is the deep seated Christian values at work. Now I am a Christian but this film sticks it down peoples throats essentially the idea is that with god everything is possible but the film goes so far as to create a utopian life for the team and its players, the kind of thing not really possible in the real world.
If you can get past the overly religious message that dilutes the essential plot then it is an enjoyable film. The acting by the unknowns is good and the football usually seems realistic (Although asking a kid to kick a 51 yard field goal when his previous best is 39 seems a little unlikely). I respect what they were trying to do and the storyline is enjoyable it just seems like the religious message was taken a little too far offering change a little too quickly. If you are looking for a film that will make you feel confident that through your faith God will help you through troubles then this is a good film to watch. If however, you are a film student or a non-believer look away as it will make you cringe or hate religion more. I enjoyed the film and its message, just wish it was not taken too far and painted in such a perfect glow. No-one lives as perfectly as these characters.
Review by Jonathan Little
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