Woodlawn

The wife and I watched "Woodlawn" last night. We were surprised that we liked it so much. It's a combination of a sports movie, an anti-racism movie, and a pro-Jesus movie. In most cases, I don't much care for any of the three, because I don't like preachy movies and I don't care about sports itself. But this one really worked for me. It's based on true events. I found myself cheering out loud over a lousy touchdown (I never do that)! I found myself caring about the characters. It doesn't go over-the-top on the anti-racism message - so many movies have one or two token white guys who are decent, while the rest are vicious devils, just to make sure we don't miss the point, because after all we're too stupid to get it otherwise. The pro-Jesus message is there because it is necessary to the plot and the furthering thereof, so you don't feel like your church took you to see it in a van just to keep it from tanking at the box office. And the sports element is - well, OK, any football scenes in any movie are basically 'will he get the ball to the end zone or not?' because that's what sports is. It's a darned inspiring movie is what it is.

Released in 2015, "Woodlawn" is an inspirational sports film based on the true story of Tony Nathan, a running back who went on to play for the Miami Dolphins and played in two Super Bowls (XVII and XIX). The story focuses on his experiences at Woodlawn High School in 1973-1974 as Nathan and other black students desegregate the school under government mandate. Nic Bishop plays the coach, Sean Astin a motivational minister, Jon Voight Paul "Bear" Bryant, C. Thomas Howell a coach from a rival high school and Joy Brunson Tony's potential babe.

The plot and tone are very similar to 2000's "Remember the Titans." They're also both based on true stories. The main difference is that "Woodlawn" is decidedly faith-based, albeit not as overt as movies like "God is Not Dead" (2014) and "War Room" (2015). The filmmakers are just telling the true story in which Christian faith was an essential part. If you can't stomach this element I suggest staying away.

In any case, the story moves briskly and there's a lot of football action. The problem is that, like "Remember the Titans," the film doesn't focus on character development. I suppose this is so because they're both based on true events and the writers didn't want to stray from reality. Whatever the reason, it prevents the story from truly captivating the viewer, but it's worthwhile if you like inspirational sports flicks like "Remember the Titans" or movies that focus on the black experience in the South during the Civil Rights era, like 2011's "The Help."

The film runs 123 minutes and was shot in Birmingham and Hueytown, Alabama.

GRADE: B-

This movie did what gods not dead tried, but only marginally better. The writing was stilted and awkward, the acting can't really be blamed, as it's working with a less than stellar script, but the overall story and the backdrop of Deep South perseverance on the football field carries this movie through to a 6, but no higher. Overall, worth a watch if you're in a mood for remember the Titans but you've already seen remember the titans.

Saw s screening of this a couple of months ago. The movie is pretty good even though i think there should have been a little more development in some of the characters. It would have came together a little better in the end. I would definitely recommend it though. This is a Christian move so of course there will be many haters just for this fact. Yes it is a little preachy but not so embarrassing as a lot of others. If this wasn't based on a true story, i would have given it a lower rating because it seemed to be a little too far fetched ( in a good way ). But i asked one of the persons at the screening who was involved with the picture if this really happened as it was shown and he said yes, it was. This isn't just a football movie. Its a lot more, so don't go in expecting just another Christian football movie. If you do want a good Christian football movie, see 'When the Game Stands Tall' So it is a great story that really happened. There are a few things that weren't explained fully that left me wanting more but nevertheless, i liked it. You wont be disappointed..

While there is a Woodlawn High School in my town of Baton Rouge, LA, this one is about a Woodlawn in Birmingham, AL, that seemed in danger of closing because of the racial incidents that happened when it was integrated in the early '70s. The coach employs a motivational speaker-played by Sean Astin-to help heal whatever issues the school football players had with each other and it seems to do the trick, especially when one of the black players-Tony Nathan-suddenly becomes very valuable to the team. I'll stop there and just say this is quite an inspirational true-life drama to watch in light of recent racial strife we seem to be going through right now. Oh, and I also liked Jon Voight's playing of legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, as well. So on that note, I recommend Woodlawn.