The Playbook

Saw this film not expecting a lot, with there being so many average sports films out nowadays. Especially ones with a spiritual message. But this one really surprised me. Had some great twists that I didn't see coming. And as a Christian father I could genuinely identify with the story. It made me go home, hug my kids and tell them how much I love them. Very well filmed by one of the famous Beebe cinematographer brothers. Music was brilliant. it is a great reminder of how God can touch and truly bless our lives if we seek him out. I highly recommend this film if you love basketball and have strong spiritual faith, maybe not so much if you're an athiest.

I caught this film on iTunes movies as I had heard about it from a friend. Well I'm so glad I took the time to watch this thoroughly enjoyable film. It is a tearjerker and a real human drama. The film is very well acted and the music is just incredible. Very emotive and really stays with you long after you've finished watching the film. The young actor who plays Cody. Oh wow, certainly one to watch there. he has a very bright future ahead of him. the mum and dad also did a great job. The kid who played the oldest son was not that great an actor but the rest made up for it. I really hope this film does well internationally as it's one of the better Australian films I've seen. If you get a chance to see it then make sure you take the time see it. we need more films like this one.

The set-up for the central tragedy to be responded to was carefully set- up, almost as if a home-movie. But after the tragedy and crises of faith (people affected by the tragedy responded differently) the movie seemed to become 1) more professionally filmed and 2) more laboriously wordy, even preachy at times. I felt that there were too many words, and that the ties to religious heroes as role-models were too strong-handed. That said, the turning point for the main character, which included a lengthy poem (which was perfect for this moment of the film), was, in a word (or two or three...), excellent, inspiring, thought-provoking and, even, paradigm-shifting, evoking contemplation for the viewer. I had the pleasure of seeing the writer/director/one-of-the-main-actors and another main-actor after the screening, and even they were moved by the film - again - after having been involved in its making. Could use some polishing and could be a bit shorter, but it is great for the whole family.

This Christian film is from Australia where I learned that the kids there have taken to basketball. The Playbook centers on Mick Preston, loving father, part time basketball coach and lay Christian leader in his community. His special pride and joy his son Jordan Quaresma who is having some teenage angst about being a preacher's kid even if it's a lay preacher.

Quaresma's best friend is Harry Borland whose father is a boozer. On Christmas night the drunk father was driving the boys home and he wrapped the car around a telephone pole. Quaresma is killed and his whole family goes through a crisis of faith.

Away from the sports part of the story The Playbook is a normal Christian type film with decent and sensitive performances by the cast. But I've always had a problem with mixing sports and religion. Preston does have it right, it's just a game for the kids he coaches and it's life that you have to learn to deal with. But the whole show of religion does bother me. Prayer is nice, but I don't know a coach in the world who would take the religious kid over one who can do a good lay up shot.

In baseball Casey Stengel once commented about two young players who were members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He said they don't drink, don't smoke, don't chase women and still they're only hitting .240. I think if Preston were in the serious business of athletic coaching he'd be looking for another Michael Jordan and he wouldn't care a hoot about his religion.

Speaking of Jordan, Luc Longley who was Australian and played in the NBA with Jordan does a guest appearance. Looking at the size of him with Preston and his kids you know there ain't another Longley destined for the NBA in that bunch.

I thought it took just a little long to get into it, but once you do, you are sucked in and sucker punched so hard in the stomach, its hard to come up for air. Some parts of the film were hard to hear only because of all the sniffing and sobbing going on around me. The film deals with very real human emotions and how we cope in different situations. A bit too focused on the spiritual side for me, but I guess that is the market they are targeting. I'd compare this to Facing The Giants, in many ways better, in some ways not so. But I did leave the screening emotionally drained. Having a few kids myself, I could relate to everything this family went through. I would suggest sitting down and watching this with your teenage kids and show them how simple mistakes can cause so much hurt.