Gridiron Gang (2006)

Gridiron Gang Satisfies

While the Gridiron Gang, like most sports movies, has game sequences that are unrealistic, the story is compelling enough to carry the movie. The acting is good and believable, and you end up caring for the characters. Inspirational and thought-provoking. Coarse language may make it inappropriate for younger viewers. July 15, 2008

Profound and emotionally powerful

First and foremost, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is incredibly believable in Gridioron Gang. The role is not a big stretch for Johnson considering his history as a child with a distant father (Johnson's father was often away wrestling professionally), and as a former football player. It should come as no surprise that he completely nails the part, playing the role of Sean Porter perfectly; so much so, in fact, that the actual documentary footage of the real Porter was a near mirror image of Johnson's portrayal of Porter in the movie.

Sean Porter (Johnson) is a former football player turned counselor at a juvenile detention center. The job is daunting enough, especially considering that nearly 75% of those leaving the facility end up as repeat offenders at one time or another after their release. Porter sought to encourage the young men, show them that they have inner-strength, worth, and that they were actually winners in the game of life, not the losers that ended up in the facility.

The movie is full of cliches, and it's about as predictable as a sunrise. It's the typical underdogs-achieve-excellence-through-adversity-and-teamwork story. It's formulaic, and just like countless other sports movies. The difference, however, is that this movie has incredible heart. Johnson exudes powerful yet gentle emotion as the fatherly, caring, football coach who uses tough-love and the bonding of football to bring about both football and character results.

There are a handful of genuinely touching scenes, and I'll admit that it got a bit dusty while watching. My allergies were really acting up during the scene that the players buy flowers for Porter's ailing mother.

Gridiron Gang is well worth the watch. Despite the fact that I knew the entire movie by the time I heard the beginning, I still enjoyed it immensely. May 27, 2008

Movies

This movie was heart felt, funny, and true to life, good plot, and good actors. The Rock is getting a lot better with his acting skills and Xzibit did a better job then I thought with his acting. This movie is based on true events and well worth watching. May 20, 2008

fabulous!

this movie has a great moral behind it and i loved watching it. it will be one i have my kids watch when they are alittle older! December 18, 2007

A Hit With Everyone--Add this to your collection!

I was very hesitant to purchase this movie because I thought it was "just" another underdog story and after so many--who cares, right?
WRONG! Because of the total sincerity Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson puts into his performance, the grit displayed by the young actors and tight pacing by the director, I've had several mixed groups of adults (male and female) and kids plus teens be riveted to the movie and find it not only enjoyable but with a motivational message that is superb. This is the movie to keep on hand when you have a houseful of guests or a classroom of students--probably 6th grade or so-- and above. A great purchase and a keeper of a DVD--grab it now! December 17, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...