Remember the Goal

The movie was excellent in many respects and the biblical foundation solid, and I'd highly recommend it, even though I don't agree with some of the suggestive clothing of the lead actress. Remember this is a Christian film intended for young girls. The Christian program "Crosstalk" agreed calling the lead actress' dress ungodly. On that point: "We are not to be molded into the image of the world" (Rom 12:2). Godliness and holiness are inward character qualities that bear outward fruit, which can include what a person chooses to wear. Modesty thankfully still matters in many Christian circles.

This is a good movie - but not for the reasons you might think looking at other reviews. Let's be honest - the God Squad viewership will give anything 10/10 if it fits their narrative, even if the film is a pile of poo.

This is a good movie because the premise of a coach who appears to be underqualified and inexperienced turning out to have a great unexpected strength is a winning one. If the directors had played this up, it could have been a great movie and not just a good one.

The religious lessons are shoehorned in with cringeworthy clumsiness resulting in the utmost hilarity. However, there is a certain charm about the desire to impart inspirational messages, and it does not stop the film from being an enjoyable watch.

I love sports movies with a Christian message (Chariots of Fire, Facing the Giants) and my daughter and I especially liked this one. It has a good message about remembering to focus on the long-term goals, which is important to remember in sports and other areas of life.

For a sport's fan give this movie a 7/10 for trusting your coach. As a Christian, add a star for trusting God. The movie is very clean. I would not hesitate to let an eight year old watch this movie. The PG rating is nonsense. The reference to drug use (weed) is positive in context.

The starting premise is a private christian high school running team. It is much deeper that I expected and I found rewatching rewarding. It has multiple narrative lines, is personality driven, has a morality focus, and it finds some useful technical running ideas.

The moral dilemas are interesting the personalities are credible and engaging. The production values and acting are Hallmark+ quality. The music is well matched to the story. The plot pacing is nicely developed. The climax is was exciting and satisfying. The polarising issue is the openly christian theme. The examples and scripture is unmissable but appropriate. It is clearly not be to everyone's taste but you do not need to be any kind of runner or christian to understand and enjoy this film.

Free on Youtube at the moment. It got some of the recognition it deserved. A good independant film. The (stand alone) sequel 'The Perfect Race' is also very good, similar flavour, perhaps even better though.

I recommend both.