“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.