"Facing the Giants" – from football to faith

Despite receiving flak from some for being "too religious"; “Facing the Giants” triumphs keeping the Christian sense and sensibilities in perspective. The movie has been given PG rating for “some thematic elements.” But given the fact the movie’s content couldn't be any more squeaky clean, the rating assigned appears pretty silly.

With the screenwriter certainly not shying away from talking about God, even sharing verses from Scripture on occasion like “Remember the Titans,” “Friday Night Lights,” or the more recent Mark Wahlberg flick “Invincible,” “Facing the Giants” is a feel–good football movie where you can’t help but root for the underdog, which this time around is Shiloh Christian High’s team, the Eagles. In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor (Alex Kendrick) has never led his squad to a winning season, and his team, not to mention the players’ parents are tired of losing. And if that wasn’t already bad enough, he’s got a car that constantly needs a jump, a clothes’ dryer that only works half the time, and on a more heart–wrenching note, his wife Brooke (Shannen Fields) has experienced four years of infertility.

Before long, things get even worse when Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by one bad circumstance after another, he cries out to God in desperation.

Then after Grant receives a message from Mr. Bridges (Ray Wood), the mysterious old man who is always pacing down the hallway and praying for the school and its students, the story takes a turn as the coach decides it’s time to get serious about his faith – and the purpose for his football team, despite what’s going on with him personally.

Although very reluctant at first, Grant challenges his players to trust God for the impossible, both on and off the field. And as they begin to change their ways, his faith is strengthened, too.

Of course, a premise like this could fall into rather hokey territory if not executed properly. But what’s great about “Facing the Giants” is that the screenwriter creates memorable, relatable characters and does an exceptional job of talking about faith in the face of fear without crossing the line into blatant proselytizing.

While the film isn’t exactly breaking new ground in the football sense, the faith element certainly adds an effective twist that can’t help but leave you feeling inspired. And for a low budget movie making it this far without any hollywood biggie, it certainly adds up to the miracles list. And Christian music lovers can also recognize some popular tracks by Third Day, Casting Crowns and Bebo Norman. It certainly is worth your time and money with the DVD out too.