The film tells a story that looks more exciting because it is closer to reality. The story begins with a talented high school footballer who tries to reach his goal of getting the best African player, while the talented student must learn how to embrace his talent and faith, but he may engage in racial battles both inside and outside the stadium to become the first African American star in dullness.
Until the balance tips rather too blatantly toward the latter during the final minutes, the overall narrative mix of history lesson, gridiron action and spiritual uplift is effectively and satisfyingly sustained.
A film taken with the singular American delusion that Jesus loves football... though it also throws in a new delusion: Jesus hates the U.S. Constitution.
It's hard to buy that this brand of Christianity is fighting for the rights of the minority while so clearly throwing their own weight around as the majority religion.
Sports and religion are a potent combination, one that siblings Jon and Andrew Erwin (October Baby, Mom's Night Out) exploit to canny effect in their new film based on the real-life Woodlawn High School football team.
