Edge of the World

I've seen a number of films that have this same theme: young men with issues being led by a coach or coaches who train them in a sport, but contribute to essentials of their manhood. Hurricane Season (2009) with Forest Whitaker, McFarland (2014) with Kevin Costner, Life of a King (2013) with Cuba Gooding, Jr., and a number of others. The theme--though oft-visited--does not grow old with me, because the dynamic goes on daily--men and women who continue to invest in youngsters because these teachers view their role as a higher calling.

This movie just seemed real to me. Coach Davis (Trevor St John) admits to the chaplain (Richard T. Jones) that he is tired of coaching troubled kids. But he is sustained and continues.

Underlying the film is faith. I appreciate this, because I think any investment in kids is dependent on this, rather than immediate results.

Clearly this film is geared at kids in the 10 to 14 year old range. The writing is at their level as is the acting and the depth of the plot as well as the age of the main cast. Yet, there are many, many elements that I would never want my child to see. From using alcohol, to using drugs, to the sound of people being torn apart, to using sexual slang to describe what you would do to one of the counselors to using almost every profane word in the book, this simply is not a movie for children. Be warned.

This movie touched on themes from the real Boys Ranch -- finding hope in hard times and despair. I liked the relationship between the coaches and the kids. I also liked how religion was portrayed respectfully.

This movie depicts real experiences that children have when their parents are troubled with addiction or other instabilities.

Richard T. Jones is terrific as the chaplain. Highly recommend this one.