Facing the Giants (PG, 2007)

common sense media says

Faith-based pigskin tale.

parents & educators 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.

Positive messages: 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."

Violence & scariness: 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.

Sexy stuff: Brooke takes pregnancy tests. Grant finds out he's infertile and the couple talks about infertility.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: Ford trucks are heavily represented.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Themes

sports and martial arts, misfits and underdogs

Movie Details

Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Alex Kendrick
Cast: Alex Kendrick, James Blackwell, Shannen Fields
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 112 minutes
Theatrical release: January 30, 2007
DVD release: January 30, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: mild violence

This review was written by Heather Boerner

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Joey123
teen, 18 years old

Perfect for the WHOLE family!

Great movie. I liked how they incorporated the Christian values and Salvation. My little brother loved it!

What other families should know

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Genre

Facing the Giants (PG, 2007)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Facing the Giants

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Themes

Movie Details

Review It

Review Facing the Giants

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Perfect for the WHOLE family!

WATCH IT. NOW! :)

It doesn't matter your faith

Nothing is Impossible for God

Awesome!

A great Christian movie

Christian Movie With No Faults

Perfect Movie

AWESOME!

On for everyone!

great!

Really wholesome

e.g. perfect for any one

Watch!

AWESOME

Start a Revival- Play ths Movie!!!

Great sports movie.

a very good Christian movie

Great Movie, with a good motive...

Fun and touching- INSPIRATIONAL

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