Rated PG-13 for some startling scenes of violence, mature thematic material and language.
Directed by Phil Joanou
Starring The Rock, Xzibit…
Every once in a while a film is released that reminds youth workers that we can make a difference. Coach Carter, Stand and Deliver, Renaissance Man… this is one of those films.
A probation officer (The Rock) creates a winning football team comprised of a group of juvenile delinquents. He teaches them teamwork and purpose. He gives hope to the hopeless.
I loved this film. My kids will definitely see it.
Yes, there is some pretty bad language speckled throughout the film—a realistic glimpse of our institutional system. But don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. This film is a gem. This is the type of film I would have shown to my outreach clubs when I worked with a pretty tough group of campus kids. This raw film reveals a realistic glimpse of street life, tough choices, and their consequences.
Gridiron will catalyst a myriad of discussions—conversations about choices, gangs, grudges and forgiveness. This film is a great tool in a youth workers belt.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Tweens and above should see it. I’d show it to every last one of them.
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?
