Hoovey (1/31/2015)

Rated PG for thematic elements.

Starring Patrick Warburton, Lauren Holly and Cody Linley

Directed by Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer)

I would take my family and my students to see this movie.

Life can change in an instant, and turn your whole world upside down. And that is exactly what happens to firefighter Jeff Elliott and his wife Ruth who are living their dream in the golden Midwest: high school sweethearts, married with two beautiful and healthy children, family farm, horses, sports, church groups, the whole American Dream come true. Then one winter’s day their teenage son, Eric “Hoovey” Elliott, collapses at high school basketball practice, is rushed to the hospital, and the doctors find a tumor the size of an orange at the base of his brain. They’re down to hours… if surgery that risks the boy’s ability to walk, talk, and perhaps even survive is not performed immediately, Hoovey’s young life will end before it truly even begins. In a grueling 8-hour procedure, the tumor is removed. And he survives. But for the Elliott family, life and dreams will never be the same.

I’ve been reviewing movies for almost ten years and, believe me, I have sat through my share of “bad films.” I’ve also sat through my share of bad “Christian films.” I’ve been critical of films like Fireproof, God’s Not Dead and Left Behind… and trust me I’ve heard about it. It’s been my past experience that even with recognizable actors, there is too much cheese and too little money to make a high quality movie. But to my surprise Hoovey was different.

While production was not on par with the summer blockbusters or the list of this year’s Oscar nominees, it was much higher than the straight-to-DVD movies that are out there. The score is well done and the edits make sense. It was clear to me that Director Sean McNamara knew what he wanted and made it happen.

The cast features some familiar faces (Patrick Warburton and Lauren Holly) and some newer faces like Cody Linley (unless you are a fan of the Disney Channel and/or Dancing with the Stars). And while Patrick Warburton is known for his hilarious, wise-cracking, dry sense of humor, he brings an authentic, heart-felt performance as the Midwestern dad, Jeff Elliot. Cody is also believable as a typical small-town teenager… even though he is 25! I actually commented during the movie that “these kids actually look like kids.”

Then there is the story. I loved the story of Hoovey. Now I will readily admit that I’m a sucker for true stories… especially true stories involving sports. I’ll watch Miracle, Rudy or When the Game Stands Tall anytime, anyplace. And Hoovey drew me in and kept me interested the entire time. Besides being very realistic (even the scene involving the three “strangers”), this story shows us the power of a loving family sticking together through some very difficult days. We get to see the relationship between Hoovey and his dad. We get to see them play together, talk to each other, hug and pray together.

I realize that Hoovey won’t win any awards this year, but it won me over. I can’t wait to add it to my movie collection—it’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes this one is great for the whole family.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. What is Hoovey’s dream when it comes to basketball?


2. How does the tumor affect that dream?


3. How does he handle that?


4. How do you handle disappointment?

Read Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.


5. How does this verse help us when things don’t go our way?


6. How did God use Hoovey’s story for good?


7. How can He use your story?