Hometown Legend (2002)

this one great film!!!!!
okay i really really like this movie, i bought the dvd because it had the commentary on it + lots more features! i had the vhs but once i got the dvd i sold it. if you're a football fan, a christian looking for great christian flick or just plain looking for a great movie, this is film for you! rated 5/5

Wonderful Family Movie
My family loved this movie. Not the typical Hollywood family fare. I share none of the religious values expressed in the film. I am an atheist who has no use for born again proselitizers. This film has religious references, but that is the world we live in. The film does not seek to be an in your face convert to christianity film. Some see that as a flaw, I see that as a blessing. A wonderful, wholesome film that the entire family can watch. Unfortunately, this film is the exception not the rule.

Very disappointing - especially for a Christian film
There are many reasons why I gave this film a low rating. From a Christian perspective, the "God-talk" in the movie is very, very weak. Nothing really biblical or even spiritually moving is presented. There is no mention of Jesus or salvation. Other reviewers have mentioned the bad language and some objectionable outfits/relationships. On to the plot: again, weak. The "legendary" coach is simply a very bad coach. He yells, constantly loses his temper, violates his own advice on the field, puts his players at risk of serious injury, and ridiculously cuts his football team to a minimum of players by throwing people off the field for - of all things, not joining in a brawl! When he "changes" later in the film, the change isn't clear enough or shown enough to really make us believe in character development. The football action isn't that good. A lot of up-close cut scenes, without a good feel for actual football. The overall message of the film is slightly confused. Teamwork? (After ruthlessly throwing kids off the team?) Not quitting even though you are going to lose? OK. The town unified around a winning season? (Yeah, but how long would that last after the school closed?) The film tried, and some parts were moving or inspiring, but overall I just felt frustrated at what the movie could have been.