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Review #263 of 365
Film: Facing the Giants (2006) [PG] 115 minutes
WIP™ Scale: $11.75
Where Viewed: United Artists Denver Pavilions Stadium 15, Denver, CO
When 1st Seen: 1 October 2006
Time: 9:45 p.m.
Directed by: Alex Kendrick
Written by: Alex Kendrick & Stephen Kendrick
Featured Cast (Where You Might Remember Him/Her From):
James Blackwell ("Between the Lines") • Bailey Cave (debut) • Shannen Fields (debut) • Tracy Goode (Flywheel) • Alex Kendrick (Flywheel) • Jim McBride (debut) • Tommy McBride (debut) • Jason McLeod (debut) • Steve Williams (debut) • Chris Willis (debut) • Ray Wood (debut)
Soundtrack: order the CD soundtrack below
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word or less review of this film]
Facing the Giants is a ground-breaking film for many important reasons. First, it is a film that openly embraces an evangelical approach to schooling and coaching children which is perfectly acceptable at a parochial, Christian-based school. Second, the film was produced using $100,000 raised from members of the congregation by the media and teaching pastors, Stephen and Alex Kendrick, for the Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany GA with all proceeds from the film going to build a $2.5 million, 40-acre, youth, recreational park for local area. Given the increasingly polarizing nature of right wing Christian televangelists and right wing Christian radio talk show host, this film comes at a time when it could find itself preaching to a fervent choir while simultaneously further alienating those who are already fed up with the likes of Pat Buchanan and his implications that Christians are the only religious folks on the planet with any good moral values. So, before the actual movie can be reviewed, addressing these semi-political points first seems critical to setting the stage for a proper review as fans and opponents of the film may have a difficult time separating these things in their own minds.
From the standpoint of fundraisers, the concept is brilliant. Plan on seeing more people copy this model if it is successful. Earning over $2.5 million on a $100,000 investment isn't too shabby, and if a small church in Albany, GA can do it, well then why not any not for profit organization trying to raise a ton of money. There are probably going to be some IRS bean counters a little nervous as well as some Hollywood producers clamoring for explanation for how not for profits can enter this game, so that will be interesting to see how it plays out. When it comes to the religious nature of the film, and the potential for further polarizing people, the film has a remarkable effect. It serves to remind Christians as well as non-Christians alike as to some of the basic tenets of Christianity. Of the Western religions, Muslims and Jews will be able to see much common ground, while followers of Eastern religions such as Buddhists, Hindus and Taoists may see the goals of submission to faith, gaining inner strength, and learning to believe in oneself as areas of overlap for them. So, while some right wing Christian leaders may see this film as a way to shore up support for their cause, they may not realize that for those who truly believe in God or a higher power or a mother earth or any manifestation of a creator / supreme being / force etc. would recognize that religions should not be used to polarize people, discriminate against people, or judge people. Rather they should be used to help people find their common humanity and leave the judgment to the higher power in which they supposedly believe. Also, while people who feel adamantly that children should not be religiously indoctrinated in school may be uncomfortable with this film, the film serves to allow an apathetic school of children to come to their own religious determinations. If they choose to follow the path of their parents then so be it. Now, there may also be an element within those who identify as staunch Christians who feel this film may give misleading impressions such as that the most important thing on God's agenda for any given Friday would be Shiloh Christian Academy winning the State Championship football game while millions of people around the world starve to death each day. And, that is something I would leave up to the pastors, ministers, and priests to attempt to reconcile with the writers, director, and producers of the film. The fervent scientist in me, though God-fearing I am, could propose that the success of the team in the film had zero to do actually with God, and 100% to do with the fact that the coach made the team a team, rallied them to believe in their own capacity, and challenged them to exceed their own preconceived limitations in an effort to become better human beings. In either case, the net result is a positive outcome for the kids, by which it is hard to become upset.
From the standpoint of fundraisers, the concept is brilliant. Plan on seeing more people copy this model if it is successful. Earning over $2.5 million on a $100,000 investment isn't too shabby, and if a small church in Albany, GA can do it, well then why not any not for profit organization trying to raise a ton of money. There are probably going to be some IRS bean counters a little nervous as well as some Hollywood producers clamoring for explanation for how not for profits can enter this game, so that will be interesting to see how it plays out. When it comes to the religious nature of the film, and the potential for further polarizing people, the film has a remarkable effect. It serves to remind Christians as well as non-Christians alike as to some of the basic tenets of Christianity. Of the Western religions, Muslims and Jews will be able to see much common ground, while followers of Eastern religions such as Buddhists, Hindus and Taoists may see the goals of submission to faith, gaining inner strength, and learning to believe in oneself as areas of overlap for them. So, while some right wing Christian leaders may see this film as a way to shore up support for their cause, they may not realize that for those who truly believe in God or a higher power or a mother earth or any manifestation of a creator / supreme being / force etc. would recognize that religions should not be used to polarize people, discriminate against people, or judge people. Rather they should be used to help people find their common humanity and leave the judgment to the higher power in which they supposedly believe. Also, while people who feel adamantly that children should not be religiously indoctrinated in school may be uncomfortable with this film, the film serves to allow an apathetic school of children to come to their own religious determinations. If they choose to follow the path of their parents then so be it. Now, there may also be an element within those who identify as staunch Christians who feel this film may give misleading impressions such as that the most important thing on God's agenda for any given Friday would be Shiloh Christian Academy winning the State Championship football game while millions of people around the world starve to death each day. And, that is something I would leave up to the pastors, ministers, and priests to attempt to reconcile with the writers, director, and producers of the film. The fervent scientist in me, though God-fearing I am, could propose that the success of the team in the film had zero to do actually with God, and 100% to do with the fact that the coach made the team a team, rallied them to believe in their own capacity, and challenged them to exceed their own preconceived limitations in an effort to become better human beings. In either case, the net result is a positive outcome for the kids, by which it is hard to become upset.
"Nearly anyone can get a great deal out of this film from the point of view of reinforcement in whatever faith one subscribes."
So, as to the film itself. Recalling its relatively miniscule budget and the use of a nearly entirely unknown cast and crew, it is fascinating that Facing the Giants turned out as well as it did. It's easy to see this was a true labor of love for Alex Kendrick & Stephen Kendrick. Alex co-wrote, directed, and starred in the film about six-season losing football coach, Grant Taylor, who within a few days of the start of the new season, loses his best player to a rival school, determines that his car is a complete junker, returns home to a house invaded by the horrid, putrefied stench of a dead rat, learns that the parents of kids on his team want him fired, and discovers that he is the reason his wife has not conceived a child in four years of trying. In other words, there's barely anything going right in his life. He reaches rock bottom and finally asks God for a sign of what he should do. Much to Grant's surprise, a worthy messenger delivers him a sign the very next day. The sign opens doors and reminds him that ours is not to question God's time of choosing to aid us, but to be fully prepared for the help when it arrives. With that notion in hand, he prepares a new team philosophy that will involve the players in committing to playing their very best so that if God should decide to step in, win or lose, they will be prepared to honor Him. Truthfully, Grant Taylor was an un-inspirational coach prior to this revelation. So, give God or human psychology as much of the credit as you feel comfortable. The team catches on quickly and starts a winning tradition. If you were charged with predicting the outcome of a script based on scripture written to help illustrate the power of faith, then doubtlessly, you will be able to predict everything that happens next in the film. This is not meant to discount the power of the film. Whether using faith in God of faith in oneself and one's team, the coach could have achieved the same result, for without confidence in oneself, success is rare to come by. Alex Kendrick does a good job in portraying the coach as does Shannen Fields in playing his wife, Brooke. For the most part, the young football players deliver believable performances as well. Most notably is Bailey Cave as David Childers, a soccer-playing kid who is relocated to town when his MS-inflicted father gets a professorship at the local college. David is encouraged to try out to be the place kicker for the team by his very encouraging and faithful father. Over time, under the watchful eye of his father and coach, young David develops the confidence to attempt to sink the impossible field goal in the championship game. The music is powerful and appropriate, the story is inspirational, and the obvious passion exhibited by the cast and crew comes through in the final product. What it may lack in cash and splash, it makes up for in heart. Nearly anyone can get a great deal out of this film from the point of view of reinforcement in whatever faith one subscribes.
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Facing the Giants (2006) Review-lite [150-word cap]
With its tiny budget and the use of a nearly unknown cast and crew, it is fascinating that Facing the Giants turned out as well as it did. This was a labor of love for Alex Kendrick & Stephen Kendrick. Alex co-wrote with Stephen, directed, and starred in the film about six-season losing football coach, Grant Taylor, who within a few days of the start of the new season, loses his best player, determines that his car is worthless, learns that the parents of players want him fired, and discovers that he is the reason his wife cannot conceived a child after four years of trying. Having reached rock bottom, he asks God for a sign of what he should do, and God delivers the next day inspiring in him a new team philosophy which quickly transforms the team's self-confidence and on-field performance with a highly predictable outcome for all.
2 comments:
I saw the movie Facing the Giants and totally disagree with all of the hype.
This movie tells the viewer all you have to do is believe in God and you will get a raise, a stranger will donate a new car, a infertile man will father a child, you will win at everything you do, people will love you everywhere you go, lame will walk, you will become rich and famous.
Sorry, but that is not God, that is Santa Claus. God never promised us a rose garden. He also never promised that our lives, our circumstances, our problems would change. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ – not money, cars, winning and pregnancy.
This is a sad case of humanism being replaced for God. In effect, non Christians who watch this film, and expect their lives to change and “get all the goodies” will be greatly disillusioned. In fact this movie might be a tool for Satan, and I believe it is therefore a satanic film.
It is sad such a pathetic humanistic excuse for satanic propaganda. The writers, directors and actors should be aware that their false worldly portrayals are helping Satan not God. This is one viewer who is greatly saddened by this horrible, false teaching.
I saw the movie Facing the Giants. It was sooo good. I showed so many aspects of the Christian life. It is very encouraging. In fact, I am watching it again right now. It is so good. I would recommend it to anyone. It is a great family movie and a good movie for every Christian to see. I would recommend viewing this movie with teens to boost their spirit. God can do anything! Nothing is impossible with God!!
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