The Last Whistle

This thing just dragged on and on. Fortunately I could jump ahead in 10 second increments. OK story but I've seen ones like it many times.. Only interesting the last 5 minutes.

First of all this should be rated PG-13 with the language. I thought it was "wholesome" as one reviewer said. It was not. Also the acting was poor, casting was bad and story was slow. Unrealistic in many ways and just was a poor poor movie.

Too many people complain that they are worked too hard or too long. This is what builds character and disipline. I for one am glad I had people to push me and make me into the person I am today. Some times things happen out of our control. In fact the number of people that die every year trying to get into the military or marines would blow your mind.

This movie is a sad realization of this type of thing. It it is sad that this coaches dreams were shattered because of a mother that couldn't control her emotions.

4.1

There were several clichés here. Also, the lead actor played almost the same character he played in the Friday Night Lights series. We had the rich kid with a chip on his shoulder, the earnest star player, the well-meaning assistant coach, and the troublemaking redneck bar patron to name a few.

But there were some good elements. The lead was actually a decent guy from start to finish, and both him and others grew emotionally or spiritually by the end. You keep waiting for some kind of religious preaching, but it never happens. Although you do see a Psalm on the wall of our lead's house.

There's little or no character development or back story for the ball players, bartender, bar patrons, or school administrators, but you get some half baked attempts for the daughter and the star player.

Music is barely used. This is good, because it would have been manipulative.

What's nice is that the coach never really grovels. He is who he is. He just learns to tell people he's sorry when he feels it. It's cut and dry without too much ceremony. You can't help but like him.

Unfortunately there just isn't much happening here, and the pace is excruciating.

The movie is interesting, while also being very sad. It is a little bit slow at some parts but it picks up.