Facing the Giants

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Faith-based pigskin tale.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that characters face adversity, like poverty, infertility, and generally not getting what they want. But the characters also succeed and face their challenges head-on. The film is heavy on scripture and religious revivals, which may or may not complement your family's religious leanings. For instance, students cry in religious fervor and Coach Taylor makes an example of one team member by forcing him to carry another team member on his back across the football field even though he's in pain.

  • Characters are shown facing their fears and not giving up -- presented with a strong Christian focus, which will be appealing to some and not to others. Another lesson: don't seek someplace new to follow your dreams, but "bloom where you're planted."
  • Lots of tackling and football-related violence, but nothing graphic or bloody. Coach Taylor forces his player to push past pain even though he keeps saying he hurts.
  • Brooke takes pregnancy tests. Grant finds out he's infertile and the couple talks about infertility.

What's the story?

Coach Grant Taylor (Alex Kendrick) is down on his luck, and his football team can't win a game to save its life. When he finds out that he's the reason his wife Brooke (Shannen Fields) hasn't been able to get pregnant, he about loses it. His faith is more than shaken -- it's crumbling. "I've tried so hard. Why can't I win?" Coach Taylor laments to his wife. "Brooke, I can't provide you a decent home. I can't provide you a decent car. I'm a failing coach with a losing record. And I can't even give you the children you want. It's me, like everything else is me. What's God doing? Why is this so hard?" But Coach Taylor does more than shake his fists at the sky. He starts praying. But can prayer be enough to save his failing football team, his job, and his pride? Can God create a miracle for him and his team? Sure enough, miracles start to occur that will stir the hearts of even the most a-religious person: Students who got failing grades start getting 100 percents on tests. A rebellious boy becomes respectful of his father. A jalopy is replaced with a big ole truck. A crippled man walks again, and more.


Is it any good?

 

Facing the Giants is a heartwarming if overly religious story of faith winning out against fear. It's a Christian fairy tale, so the outcome is obvious. This is a celluloid revival, and as such, may alienate non-religious viewers.

There's lots of quoting of scripture, and there's also lots of macho Christianity -- this is more than a call to faith, it's a manly challenge. Is this tough football player man enough to humble himself before God? In the manliest miracle of all, where Coach Taylor once was emasculated, he's now virile. This message will speak to born-again men and their families, but, again, not their less-religious neighbors.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the pressure boys and men face to be strong no matter what. Does that pressure help or hinder Coach Taylor in his daily life? What do you do in your family to deal with that pressure? If Coach Taylor is under pressure to support the family and make his team win, what role does his wife play? Is it fair to put that much pressure just on men? Viewers may also want to discuss your concept of faith. Does it match what you see here? Why or why not?


This review was written by Heather Boerner
Teen, 18 years old
July 30, 2009
 
Perfect for the WHOLE family!
Great movie. I liked how they incorporated the Christian values and Salvation. My little brother loved it!

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Teen, 18 years old
August 21, 2010
 
WATCH IT. NOW! :)
I have to admit, I balled my eyes out half the movie! I was so sad when Grant found out he was infertile, and happy when his wife still got pregnant by God's miracle. Honestly I think this site doesn't give Christian films as good of ratings as non-Christian. They gave three stars, I give 5 hands-down. There was NO violence and it says negative messages. I'd like to know how. Grant learns that hard work, preserverence, and faith in God can give you GOOD consequences rather than negative. I wouldn't suggest the film for anyone who is uncomfortable with Christian talk, but suggest this film to anyone open to it. This movie moved me... haha that sounds funny. :)

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Adult
June 25, 2009
 
It doesn't matter your faith
Our entire family loves this movie! Our children range in ages from 8-4. It's a great movie about faith and the amazing things God can do whether you win or lose! It is a very inspirational movie and we always cheer even though we know how it ends.

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Parent of 5, 8, 9, and 17 year old
April 19, 2009
 
Nothing is Impossible for God
This is a wonderful film for anyone, though younger kids might get bored. A very inspiring and motivational story. We need more films like this one.

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Adult
March 21, 2009
 
Awesome!
THis movie is fantastic for both Christians and NonChristians. It shows a great message about trusting in God to handle our problems and that God never fails us when we have faith.

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Kid, 12 years old
January 25, 2010
 
A great Christian movie
I love this movie i watched it with my family and my mom cryed I got to say i think this is the best movie I have ever saw it is a great Christian movie the world needs more like it

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Kid, 13 years old
October 25, 2009
 
Christian Movie With No Faults
They showed this movie to my church and my fourth grade classroom. It is a wonderful movie with great acting and a positive message of never giving up. I couldn't love this movie any more, and it touches my heart every time I watch. If I could, I would love every Christian to watch this movie at least once in their lifetime. I love it that much.

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Teen, 15 years old
April 4, 2010
 
Perfect Movie
I love this movie. It persuades people to be god-fearing. Just trust the Lord and do your best and everything will be all right.

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Adult
February 23, 2009
 
AWESOME!
Such a wonderful inspiring movie! nothing offensive or innapropriate!

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Teen, 15 years old
June 20, 2011
 
On for everyone!
Wonderfully inspiring! All ages will get it's message. The sex stuff isn't bad at all. I LOVE IT AND I DON'T EVEN LIKE FOOTBALL!

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This review was written by Heather Boerner
Topics:sports and martial arts, misfits and underdogs
Studio:Sony Pictures
Director:Alex Kendrick
Cast:Alex Kendrick, James Blackwell, Shannen Fields
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:112 minutes
Theatrical release date:January 30, 2007
DVD release date:January 30, 2007
MPAA rating:PG
MPAA explanation:mild violence

This review was written by Heather Boerner
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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