 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Forever Strong
- Review Date: May 22, 2009
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Uplifting jock drama is predictable but OK for older tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this bad-boy-makes-good-on-the-team drama includes scenes of alcohol- and drug-fueled partying, and consequences (one fatality) occur because of drunken driving. There is some blood in the roughhouse rugby action. A juvenile prison environment includes fistfights and references to drugs. Though the bad-boy main character reforms his errant ways, he gets persecuted by his former friends and teammates for doing so.
What's the story?
FOREVER STRONG is inspired by the real-life sports/self-help philosophies of coach Larry Gelwix, of the rugby team of Highland High School in Salt Lake City. Hotshot Arizona rugby star Rick Penning (Sean Faris) is on his way to greatness, even when his Flagstaff team loses, surprisingly, to the unconventional, well-disciplined Highlanders. Then the hard-partying, drug-using Rick injures his girlfriend in a DWI car crash. It's not his first such offense, and Rick, practically disowned by his victory-obsessed coach father, gets sentenced to juvenile prison. The compassionate warden (Sean Astin) arranges for the sulky Rick to practice on the Highland team, where the athlete gradually learns the spirit of real teamwork, sobriety, spirituality, and honor on and off the playing field.
Is it any good?
This sort of sports-redemption drama has been told before, and probably will again (and it's been parodied in comedies like The Comebacks and Dodgeball). Even with the based-on-actual-events qualifier, practically everything here will be formula-familiar and predictable, right down to the slow-motion in the championship game finale.
On the plus side of the scorecard, families, especially in religious households, can watch without particular penalties. There's no strong reason for the PG-13 rating; filmmakers bench all swearing from the dialogue, but still manage to convey the atmosphere of a rough, tough sport thanks to the hardworking actors. Rugby, high school or otherwise, is relatively underexposed in American jock flicks, and this is a sturdy promo, and points about unity and respecting one's opponents -- even honoring long-gone team members whose jersey numbers you've inherited -- are well made. The prison subplot would normally seem an unexpectedly harsh milieu, but the wayward hero spends so little time there it really doesn't carry much impact.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the appeal of rugby, AKA English football, a sport with an avid following in much of the world, but not yet predominant in the USA. Ask kids if they think the ethical code and nobility of the Highlander team here can translate just as easily to basketball, hockey, baseball, or whatever team sports they follow. The DVD extras explains more about the native New Zealand "Haka" ritual, warrior-honor, spirituality, and tribal traditions, which can be discussed in and out of sports contexts (see the family movie Whale Rider in particular for a good New Zealand Maori drama).
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Perfect for middle schoolers heading into high school.
I really enjoyed this movie and it's message. Unfortunately, the drugs and dinking are a cold, hard fact our children are faced with every day. I felt this movie dealt with it appropriately and didn't glamorize it in any way. It showed the consequences of what happens when we act irresponsibly. Kids just want us to honest with them and this movie does just that. I wish there were more coaches and role models like the men in this movie.
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AGE
A Must see if you have boys...
Great movie with strong values. There is some drinking and drugs involved, bad behavior and a few bad words but overall the positive message gets beyond those things. This is a violent movie in that it portrays rugby from a field view not just the sidelines and people get hurt! But the message of being a real man of character, and moving beyond selfish boyhood is fantastic! Great special features included as well
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AGE
Good movie that's got excitement and teaches good lessons
Very good movie to show the consequences of drugs & alcohol abuse. Got some kind of rough rugby scenes that were tough for a squeamish mom, but exciting too. Lesson comes through that's best to life with integrity and responsibility. I let my 10 y/o & 12 y/o boys watch.
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AGE
A steady and strong stand on sticking to right choices
Some of the best movies rarely get the prestige deserved in common media. As a father, I grow tired of how TV and movies paint Dad's as a doofus while glamorizing alcohol consumption or drug use.
I'm not competitve and don't watch rugby but movies like Forever Strong leave me with a call to action that inspires.
This movie is perfect for every boy or girl from age 12 and up who has every played ANY sport and any parent who has volunteered to help coach kids to be more than better players, but better people.
Don't let the abrupt beginning make you think it's a bad movie. The negative light placed around the first few scenes sets the stage for the gradual take off and launch of strong morals.
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AGE
Principles for Building Boys Into Fine Men
This movie is inspirational. Role models for boys are hard to find and seeing the personal struggle of one man to make significant changes in his life and succeeding in remaking his life by committing to lasting values was refreshing.
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AGE
Good, but for older kids
This was a good uplifting movie as well. Shows that anyone can change. Based on a true story. Would recommend for ages 13 and up though, because some issues and a couple things in it make it not for the younger audience.
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| Studio: | Crane |
| Director: | Ryan Little |
| Cast: | Arielle Kebbel, Gary Cole, Penn Badgley, Sean Astin, Sean Faris |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 112 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 28, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | May 26, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | for thematic material involving teen drug and acohol use, and some disturbing images. |
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