The Last Whistle

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

I call foul on this would-be inspirational ersatz afterschool special bout a driven high school championship football coach who seems more concerned bout.the cancellation of the big game and loss of his job (football is his Life, of course) than the player's death that occasioned it! Unconvincingly he eventually learns to say he's sorry, and that's the moral of our story.

Actors adequate with the Very poor script and presentation they're dealing with here

Didn't buy it.

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.

I read all the reviews here and agree with practically all of them, from the poorly rated to the highest rated. All I kept thinking throughout the film once the audience learns about the heart condition, is why is this kid allowed to play football at all? No school would sign that acceptance and take the insurance risk.

Also at the end of the movie when the superintendent reveals the vote that there were three votes for the coach and four with the super, does that mean he's back in? Usually the board consists of 5-7 individuals but that part wasn't clear to me. Or maybe that is when I didn't care anymore.

Lead actor held my interest so I kept watching for him, The mock courtroom was a joke.

Amen.

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.