Facing the Giants
for some thematic elements.
Reviewed by: Melisa Pollock
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Excellent! |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Family Adults Teens |
| Genre: | Christian Sports Drama |
| Length: | 1 hr. 51 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2006 |
| USA Release: |
September 29, 2006 (limited) |
What advice do you have for new and growing Christians? Answer
Are there biblical examples of depression and how to deal with it? Answer
How can we know there’s a God? Answer
| Featuring |
Alex Kendrick … Grant Taylor Shannen Fields … Brooke Taylor Erin Bethea (Erin Catt) … Alicia Houston James Blackwell … Matt Prater Bailey Cave … David Childers Steve Williams … Larry Childers Tracy Goode … Brady Owens Dan W. Howell Sr. … Announcer #2 Jim McBride … Bobby Lee Duke Tommy McBride … Jonathan Weston See all » |
| Director |
Alex Kendrick |
| Producer |
Carmel Entertainment Destination Films See all » |
| Distributor |
Destination Films Samuel Goldwyn Films Carmel Entertainment Group Sony Pictures Home Entertainment |
“Never give up. Never back down. Never lose faith.”
This movie was fantastic; it is a “must-see” for everyone. It had me hooked from the previews. I knew this was a Christian movie, written and produced by a church group, but I had not expected that even the previews would honor the Lord! That was so awesome; it completely caught me off-guard; and the movie was tremendous. I highly recommend it.
The movie starts with a high school football team that is losing very badly. They are finishing a losing season, and we hear the sports announcer saying that they will have to wait until next year for Coach Taylor to pull it up—as he covers the microphone and murmurs, “That is IF they let him come back next year.”
For Coach Taylor, everything in his life seems to be falling apart. He and his wife Brooke seem to be “barely getting by.” With a total combined income of $30,000/year, their car, along with many of their household appliances are broken or work intermittently; they have been trying for four years to have a baby, and as head coach of a losing football team, the parents and the community as a whole are ready to give up on him. Many want to bring in someone else who could “do the job better” or replace him with the assistant coach. “He’s a good guy and all, but let’s face it; he just can’t do that job…,” seems to be the general attitude. They are even meeting with one of his assistant coaches, trying to get him to align with them to remove Coach Taylor from his position. They want to put the assistant in charge, telling him that he will do a much better job, and that Coach Taylor is simply not cutting it—“He has had six years, after all.” “Students are quitting the team; we are losing booster support. Something has to be done, right?”
Aren’t you so glad that God never gives up on us? People may fail you. Men may turn their back on you; they may betray you. So many times in life, people act just like that group of parents and sponsors—the backbiting, the criticism, the power struggles seem never-ending at times. God does not need man’s help to bring results. As demonstrated in this movie, and throughout the Bible, prayer and faith take care of that matter—leave the results up to God. Imagine if Jeremiah had quit proclaiming the Word because of lack of results. He didn’t, because regardless of the results or lack, and regardless of what man saw, Jeremiah knew that He was exactly where God wanted Him.
As we’ve all had times where those who should have supported, helped or encouraged us have instead turned their backs, betrayed, criticized, or tried to take over, remember this: The Lord has promised never to leave you and never to forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)! He loves you as no one else ever could; He loved you enough to give up everything for you, even His life! When everyone else in the world seems to have turned their back on you, God loves you—and HE will ALWAYS be there. Remember that. HE will never leave you; He will never forsake you; He will never betray you. He will ALWAYS LOVE YOU, and He will always stand by you.
As things seem to be crashing down all around him, Coach Taylor is beginning to question his own abilities, and even asking “What’s God doing.” With everything in his life falling apart, he admits to his wife, “It must be me.” They lay their heads down and cry together as they seem to be, at that moment, completely defeated and without hope. However, there is ALWAYS HOPE IN CHRIST—ALWAYS!
Coach Taylor calls on the Lord, reading and quoting Psalm 18:1-3, and you begin to see a vast difference in his countenance and his demeanor. Giving the matter to the Lord, and trusting the Lord to protect and deliver him from the very pits of life that threaten to engulf them, both Brooke and Coach Taylor continue to trust in the Lord. They call on Him in prayer, pouring over His Word, vowing to trust in HIM no matter what. The Lord begins to strengthen his faith, reminding him that WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
That sets the scene for the movie. Watching how the Lord works in the lives of each of the characters in this movie is heartwarming, reminding us all that through GOD great things can and DO happen, if we’ll only trust in HIM!
I saw absolutely nothing offensive to mention. There is no violence at all, other than normal football play. I saw nothing of concern in that. One player was hurt in a game and helped off the field. There is no profanity, no sexual situations, and no scantily-clad or half-dressed people in the movie. It was a good, clean family film; and I recommend it for viewers of all ages.
The entire movie is FILLED with moral issues and with opportunities for Biblical discussions—how a situation ought to be handled Biblically; there were many such issues that would be great for youth group studies or any group seeking to draw nearer the Lord or those wanting to learn by example. I understand that there are even Bible study guides that go along with this movie, available for download on the movie Web site—http://facingthegiants.com
I believe that everyone will be able to relate to this movie. It addresses many issues that we have all had to deal with, from a Biblical stand. The movie will bring you from tears to laughter in a matter of seconds and is easily one of the best movies I have seen. I plan to see it again with my daughter over the weekend and encourage anyone who has not seen the movie to do so. I give it two thumbs up and look forward to seeing another production from this church group very soon!
I had planned to see the movie and knew that I would have to drive approximately 3 hours to see the movie because of its limited release. However, God worked that out through some people in our community and I did not have to make that drive. Through the “Facing the Giants” Booster Club, you can help bring the movie to your community. Visit the following Web site for details http://www.facingthegiants.com/theatres/boosterclub.php. Basically, they need you, someone you know, or a group of people in your community, to commit to cover the cost of buying 1,000 movie tickets. You could recruit 5 groups to buy 200 tickets or 10 groups to buy 100, or one group can cover all 1,000. Whatever the combination, someone needs to tangibly make this commitment and send in the registration form available by download on the above Web site. Maybe some of your churches can work together to bring the movie to your area. However, if you must drive for a bit to see the movie, it would be well worth the trip; take the whole family and enjoy the outing. You will find the film ‘well-worth’ the drive.
Violence: None / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: None
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
The quality of filmmaking and obvious passion of all who were a part of this production far separate this film from the sub-par to mediocre Christian films to date. For a sports movie, it is right up there in the lines of “Hoosiers,” “The Natural” and other heavy-hitters. If it does not do well at the box office, it is our fault—take your family, friends, church—there is something in this movie that everyone can relate to.
If you’re not a sports fan, you will still find great pleasure, spiritual uplifting, and an old fashioned good time at the cinemas with this movie.
Excellent! / 5
What a wonderful story! What a high-quality production, especially considering it was done with just one camera and a comparatively tiny budget! What an excellent opportunity to go to a movie and get something great out of it yourself, and to take a friend or two so they can be reached with the gospel of Christ in this creative and moving way! I pray many will see this movie and God will use it mightily as I believe His hand is upon it.
Excellent! / 5
The Christian message is very heavy, so non-believers may think it’s silly, but it’s no sillier than the predictable, teen horror movies. Spend money to see this film. It’s not only worth it, but it will send a message to Hollywood that Christian films belong on the big screen.
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 5
However, if you know someone who is struggling with infertility and it is a highly sensitive, highly charged issue for them, they should be cautioned that this is an important thread in the movie. It has the kind of ending that all infertile couples desire, but may not have the benefit of.
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 3
Excellent! / 3
The lessons learned were about faith, dealing with adversity, prayer and the fact that “Nothing is impossible with God.” I would recommend everyone see this movie. We left the theater in awe with such a happiness in our hearts. That has never happened before! I am so excited about this movie. I believe it is an excellent witnessing tool and it will change lives. God bless everyone who had a part in making this movie.
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 3
Excellent! / 1
Excellent! / 3
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 3
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 3
Every Christian should see this movie and encourage their family and friends to see it. No one has said much about little children going, but I think children over about 10 would understand it without difficulty. Whether you enjoy football or not, that is not the main emphasis of this movie. Values, morals, respect and love is what makes this movie such an excellent choice.
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 3½
This movie counted where others do not, it touched my heart deeper than any movie I had ever seen. I remember the first time I watched it in the theatre as the credits rolled. It got to the catering list, it was so touching to see list after list of names from the people who cooked the crew another hot meal. I left the theatre knowing that the budget for this movie was about the same size as some movies' catering budgets, then seeing all of those names. I wonder, will I ever see this again, probably not, but I am so thankful I have seen it this time. What a blessing! Oh Lord. that we would have a hundred movies like this one.
Excellent! / 3½
Excellent! / 2
Excellent! / 5
Of course, with the new attitude of “whether we win or lose—we will honor the Lord” things change dramatically for the coach and his team. They begin to win and we, the viewing audience, cheer them on to victory. See all »
Excellent! / 4½
I was also a little disturbed to see him pushing the players so hard (especially in one scene). I realize teenagers need a little pushing, but is a football game so important to God that you should risk the kind of serious injury this sport often causes? This problem I had with this was that it seemed to make the team warriors for God. Were there no believers on the other teams? Is the football field really where we should do the fighting?
Overall, I came out of the movie with a creepy feeling. It wasn’t morally offensive, but it was theologically offensive.
Better than Average / 4½
Good / 1
First off: this film has good intentions, especially if you’re a Christian like me. This movie is trying to show that you should put your faith in God and that it’ll make your life better. Not so bad, right? Eh. It turns out a be a problem—a big one. This movie was made by a church, so of course every single issue has to be dealt with as tastefully for Christians as possible. It is all black-and-white, no gray areas. God’s grace and will in this movie is a predictable thing, and it comes instantly to all those who do His bidding.See all »
Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
So they were capable of it all along, they just didn’t care until they started trusting God. The movie’s real message is that you should take your jobs seriously. God’s miracle in giving Grant and Brooke a child was just thrown in there as an added blessing.
Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4½
There were real life situations that anyone could relate to and not only did the coach tie God into his life but he changed the football team by putting God in the game too. It was a great movie for anyone to see not only guys who like football. Older men and women and also younger men and women and definitely kids who need to see a movie with a healthy Christian plot.
The people all pitched in to bring the movie here by agreeing to sell 1,000 tickets the first weekend it opened. I went to see it as soon as it came out and the show was packed with people and it was mainly teens who came with their church youth group. I loved the way everyone came together.
Not only that but it seemed that the teens sitting at the first several rows in front of me had the same thoughts as me about the movie because on several occasions they expressed their thoughts by standing and clapping for several inspiring scenes. They also did this at the end of the movie when it ended since they liked it so much.
I think this movie would definitely help teens or kids who need to know about God and how to stand up for what they believe in.
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 3
Now, onto a spiritual point of view. I’m not saying these type of things never happen, but I don’t think it’s a very bright idea to spread the idea that Christianity can make your life perfect. During the film, a couple has a pretty cruddy car, are unable to have a child, and the guy’s football team sucks. ***SPOILER*** By the end of the film, they have a new car, are able to give birth, and his team wins the championship. ***END SPOILER***
I understand how awesome God is, but the film makes it look like Christianity makes every problem in your life go away. The overall point of the movie is good and means well, it just gets a bit twisted with what I just mentioned.
Better than Average / 2
Excellent! / 2
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 3
Excellent! / 3½
I LOVED it!! It kept me entertained, and it was awesome, plus it was funny as well as with a good story to it. I saw this movie 3 times in the theaters and our basketball league showed it for all the Upward players and their friends and family, I went and took as many of my friends as I could. Amazing amazing movie, must see!!
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 5
Good / 4½
This is a true family movie. I cannot wait to take my son and sit between him and my wife. The way this movie captures a coach’s wife and her life is great. It also captures what a head football coach goes through. The one thing I realized after thinking about the movie is there was no teenage girl character. I still think the girls will relate with the wife. 5 Star movie
My Ratings: Excellent! / 1