When the Game Stands Tall

For 11 years (1992 to 2003), De La Salle High School's football team went undefeated. Guided by the leadership of Bob Ladouceur, they worked hard to do and be the best. Try as they might, other high school teams could not de-throne De La Salle as champions...until the first game of the 2004 season when they lose their first game. This turn of events crushes everyone involved, Bob Ladouceur most of all as he realizes he put winning football games ahead of his family. Once Coach Bob realizes this, he begins a journey for both himself and his team to return to the team they once were, learning a valuable lesson that winning isn't everything - it's how you play the game that matters.

When the Game Stands Tall is a great family flick. Considering it's based on a true story, it is predictable; and yet it still manages to be an entertaining - not to mention emotional - film. I've always been a big fan of Jim Caviezel, especially his most recent television role as John Reese on Person of Interest. His role as Coach Bob Ladouceur isn't quite as developed as his role on Person of Interest, or most of his other previous roles; but what Caviezel does as Coach Bob Ladouceur is still remarkable.

One of the bigger things I I thought was interesting - and was certainly happy to see - was the presence of the topic of faith. De La Salle is a Catholic school, and so there are dozens of references to Scripture verses, Coach Bob leads the team in the Lord's Prayer before every game, among other things. To see the topic of faith in a good light instead of being mocked was refreshing. Some people may or may not be put off by the spiritual content, but I appreciated it.

Overall, When the Game Stands Tall is a must-see film for people who enjoy feel-good/underdog types of stories.