The Goal

This film has a great premise, but suffers from a rambling story. It's a drama about a young man who loses the ability to walk, but through willpower and the support of his family learns the sport of wheelchair rugby. It's the kind of story that appeals to everyone, but sadly the film falls short.

The script is unfocused and cries out for a more critical edit. There are characters with no purpose, a bizarrely unfocused third act, and unrealistic dialogue.

The acting varies from mediocre to good, with a great effort by the lead and outstanding performances by a couple of the supporting actors. But the director didn't seem able to demonstrate the cast's true potential in the final product.

The audio was a bit amateurish at times, and the music was laughably overwrought. The film has something of the feel of an "after school special" TV show, and is probably best suited for a young audience. But in my opinion, it doesn't stand up to other "grown up" dramas on the indie festival circuit.

All that said, I give Darla Rae bonus points and a big congratulations for her first feature film!

I loved watching The Goal! It was truly inspirational, and the cast/crew did an excellent job. The trials of two athletes who have to redirect all of their competitive passion to quad rugby was amazing, and very moving. The camera shots of the rugby games really captured the spirit and heart that these guys play with.

It was interesting to finally see a movie shot in Denver! Colorado has many beautiful locations, and with a city line that rivals Chicago, New York and LA - it was great to see it on screen.

I highly recommend this movie! What a nice surprise to be able to watch with the whole family and not have to worry that something unsuitable is going to be shown or talked about.

Darla Rae did an outstanding job writing, directing and producing The Goal. I can't wait to see what she's going to show us next!

as someone who became a C5/C6 quadriplegic just a little under one year ago, I appreciated this movie's theme (it is only under adverse circumstances, that one's true character shows). The portrayal of the struggle, both mental and physical, to overcome paralysis due to spinal injury (especially at higher, cervical levels) is pretty close to dead on as far as my own struggle is concerned. The actors do a good job at showing how a person with a cervical level spinal cord injury realistically would move. I do wish they could have done a better job of explaining the injuries. Often, people think that paralysis means lack of feeling, when in reality it really only means that the person has limited mobility and, or dexterity Along with mild two severe levels of nerve pain.

one thing that was interesting to me about this film was their choice to include the theme of depending on God for strength and courage to deal with the struggle of a spinal injury. Although there were obvious things, such as the pastor and his wife along with the church they work at, the movie really didn't delve very far into the topic of faith. This is not to criticize the filmmaker, only to say that I thought it was interesting that they included such a deep issue, and yet (by my perception) did not decide to go very far into it. This is just my opinion obviously, but I thought it would have been interesting to hear more of how the family and friends of the young men were depending on their faith to get through the challenges they were faced With.

The movie was very enjoyable and I gave it a 7/10 simply because some of the storytelling was confusing as far as the intertwining of the two young mens' lives, and each of their struggles with spinal cord injuries/parallelization. Although there are some typical low- budget movie clichés, including bad lighting, over acting, strange non sequitur dialogue or comments, uncomfortable camera angles, etc. I really thought those minor things did not matter, as the movie was over all incredibly uplifting, and not at all something that would make me feel uncomfortable to watch with my parents.

if you are dealing with a spinal cord injury, whether you your self are injured or someone around you has any injury, I highly recommend that you see this movie. It could really inspire you and perhaps change your perspective.

This movie showcases what is possible and what you can overcome regardless of the obstacles. It would be cliché to say the old saying "when life gives you lemons..." but this film takes that concept and shows that there is ALWAYS something you can do.

The only way to be defeated in life is to give up, and "The Goal" shows regardless of the challenges in your life, you can always succeed if you can get your heart and mind driving together towards your goal.

This film also shows that just because you have a plan in life, does not mean that your future is written. There are always changes, and this film follows two young men who's paths were interrupted and they were faced with making a choice.

I was injured in a motorcycle accident where it was not my fault,and I lost my desire to live and my wife brought it home and left it for me to watch. It not only helped my family have a true understanding of what I was going through it helped me to see that I had choices.

This movie was a great inspiration to me and my family and I know it will inspire you whether you are in a chair or just facing a major setback in your life.

I enjoyed the camping and rugby scenes and the relationship between the guys,and when the crazy nurse takes him out of his room and his family was waiting for him. The nurse was really funny and she reminded me of some of the crazy nurses that I had in the hospital.

This is definitely a family film which you don't have to worry about being embarrassed in mixed company. Great job!Thanks to the cast and crew for making this film. It really helped us.