Parents' Guide to Hoovey

If you're looking for a film that concentrates on (Christian) faith and family, this is an ideal choice, because it's well acted and has a predictably pleasant plot. It's obvious from the opening scene, in which Ruth gives a motivational speech to a packed house of business leaders (presumably Christian ones), that Hoovey is going to be a sentimental ride about a family that overcomes hardship. And that's exactly what you get -- the story of a sweet family left reeling in the aftermath of their son's diagnosis.

Compared to more blatantly evangelical fare, Hoovey is actually pretty subtle. While there are certainly church and prayer scenes (the Elliotts' pastor is evangelical actor Stephen Baldwin) and discussions of faith, this isn't as sanctimonious as, say, a Kirk Cameron film. Linley is appropriately adorable as a young Christian athlete, and veteran actors Holly, Warburton, and Charles Robinson (best known as sarcastic clerk Mac in the classic '80s sitcom Night Court) make Hoovey far superior to a project that clearly cast parishoners who like to act instead of real actors. As a "by believers, for believers" film, Hoovey is better than expected, but secular audiences might be confused by how heavily immersed even the public school coach is in his players' faith.