Woodlawn (1/19/2016)

Rated PG for thematic elements including some racial tension/violence.

Starring Sean Astin, Jon Voight, C. Thomas Howell, Nic Bishop and Caleb Castille

Directed Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin (Mom’s Night Out)

Without a doubt, Woodlawn is the best Christian film in years.

In 1973, a spiritual awakening captured the heart of nearly every player of the Woodlawn High School football team, including its coach Tandy Gerelds. Their dedication to love and unity in a school filled with racism and hate leads to the largest high school football game ever played in the torn city of Birmingham, Alabama, and the rise of its first African American superstar, Tony Nathan.

Like many “Christian films” before this one, Woodlawn had the Christian community in a frenzy. Church leaders and ministries were behind it.

The cast, including Sean Astin, Jon Voight and C. Thomas Howell, all serve up very strong performances. Astin is the FCA Chaplain that delivers one powerful speech after another. Voight is coaching legend Bear Bryant and elevates the film from the first second we see him. And Howell is so believable as the “bad guy.” But the real star is newcomer Caleb Castille. I still can’t believe he’s a “rookie.” He is extremely likable and believable which makes you cheer for him immediately.

Andrew and Jon Erwin really do deserve a lot of credit. Their choice of camera angles, transitions and songs were all perfect. And the action on the field was a thing of beauty. They do something I have never seen before. They use real game footage mixed with footage they filmed. I loved that!

But their greatest achievement was communicating a powerful message of God’s love in a very “unpreachy” kind of way. Andrew and Jon Erwin just tell this true story. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, it’s honest and real. And that kind of authenticity in a “Christian film” is so refreshing.

There are so many great scenes like Tony refusing to shake Alabama governor George Wallace’s hand during an awards dinner because of Wallace’s opposition to school integration or when Tandy gets in trouble with the high school Board because of the “religious activities.” But my favorite scene is when Hank is asked to pray before the biggest game of the season and they pull the plug on his microphone only to hear thousands of spectators reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

I think one of the biggest reasons the Erwin brothers handle this story with such care is because their father, Hank Erwin, is the real-life chaplain played by Astin. What an amazing legacy.

Not only is Woodlawn one of my favorite films of the year, it is one of my all time favorite sports movies ever. It is “Worth Buying.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
YES! Everyone should see Woodlawn.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What was happening in Birmingham Alabama in 1973?


2. How did this affect the football team initially?


3. What caused them to change?

Read John 13:35

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.


4. How did the team show love for one another?


5. How did their love change their community?


6. How can that same love change yours?