Dove Review

“When the Game Stands Tall” can be described with one word: Inspiring! It tells the true story of the De La Salle Spartans high school football team, which set a 151-game winning streak record. Football Coach Bob Ladouceur’s philosophy was always, “We don’t expect you to play perfect, but to give a perfect effort.” Coach Bob (Jim Caviezel) emphasizes team play and stands up to a dad who is only concerned about his son breaking a touchdown record, not with the team effort.

The movie’s themes include forgiveness, brotherhood, and teamwork over individual goals, as well as one’s walk with God. The focus is on God being with us during difficult times. Coach Bob attempts to comfort a father and mother following the sudden loss of their son. The coach has a close call of his own in the course of the film. In an inspiring scene he takes his football players to a hospital where they see rehabbing athletes, some with prosthetic limbs, and they learn to appreciate what they have. The team also sees the great effort it takes for the patients to go forward, and how they meet their challenges head on.

We are pleased to award this movie our Faith Friendly Seal for ages twelve plus, due to brief use of language and a couple of innuendos. The film clearly shows what God can do when a person honors Him.

Dove Rating Details

0

Faith

None

0

Integrity

Young man is shot as he sits in his car, but scene is not graphic; guys shove each other; rough football playing on the field on a few occasions; dad grabs his son twice in the film and punches him in the stomach once, but he is stopped.

2

Sex

Boys tease another with an innuendo, but the boy makes it clear he and his girlfriend took a purity pledge; a comment about taking what you need; a couple kisses.

2

Language

G/OMG-4; father cries out the name of Jesus Christ in prayer as he sees his son's dead body and then says, "No!"; D-1; a "Kiss my-" (not finished comment)-1; Butt-1; son calls his dad lame but they get past the incident and become closer; "Screw you" comment.

2

Violence

Young man is shot as he sits in his car, but scene is not graphic; guys shove each other; rough football playing on the field on a few occasions; dad grabs his son twice in the film and punches him in the stomach once, but he is stopped.

2

Drugs

Smoking; an "Are you high?" comment; young people at a party with red cups and there may be underage drinking.

1

Nudity

Shirtless men.

2

Other

Tension between husband and wife; young man losing his mother to cancer and wonders if God cares; young man wonders if he's cursed because of losing people he has loved; man has a heart attack and his wife has their son call 911; parents lose a son and grieve; player with an overbearing dad says he hates him; player almost throws up due to nerves.