Rated PG for some thematic elements.
Directed by Alex Kendrick (Flywheel)
Starring Alex Kendrick
In his second effort, writer, producer, director and actor, Alex Kendrick scores… and scores big with “Facing the Giants.”
The story centers on Coach Grant Taylor (Alex Kendrick), the head football of the Shiloh Eagles, a small team from a small Christian High School. Coach Taylor finds himself staring up at Giants everywhere he turns from the fact that he and his wife are unable to have children, to their embarrassing car, to the fact that he hasn’t had a winning season in his six-year tenure as head coach. Looking at another losing season, Grant overhears some parents and his assistant coach discussing plans to replace him.
In one of the most memorable and powerful scene, a frustrated and broken Coach Taylor meets with a faithful man of prayer, who weekly roams the halls praying over each student’s locker. He tells Grant that he believes God is not done with him yet, that God wants him to bloom where he is planted and challenges him to prepare his fields.
Coach Taylor does just that and challenges his football team to discover what God’s purpose is for the team and for their individual lives. Each one is changed when they discover that nothing is impossible with God.
Honestly, the acting is a little weak and you won’t hear any of these actors names mentioned at the Golden Globes or Academy Awards, but the characters were actually more believable. I honestly found the story to be so good it was easy for me to overlook the acting that tends to be weak at times.
Facing the Giants is an action-packed drama with a few very funny scenes that encourages us all to “Never give up. Never back down. Never lose faith.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Absolutely!! This is a great movie with a great message for all ages.
And when you are done, check Flywheel. Although the quality and acting may not be as good as Facing the Giants, it is another amazing story that will inspire, encourage and challenge you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
