The Goal

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 liked the movie, really puts a story and faces to some of the guys who play this game. I am proud of Ryan Parker who plays of Steve George for his performance in this movie. Thank you to Darla Rae, the director she directed an excellent movie. The real athletes put a lot of guts in this sport and I wish them continued success. I wish the actors and the athletes tremendous luck on their continued film festival road from Denver. I know its heading to Milan and it will do great. I would have to say two thumbs up. I hope everyone to where the movie is heading goes and see's it and it does well. Excellent film photography and enjoyed meeting some of the actors and athletes after the movie ended. Thanks for filming in Denver.

It's obvious that this film was made with little or no resources.But I found it to be truthful and realistic in the approach of telling what families go through when tragedy strikes.It doesn't matter whether your tragedy is a spinal cord injury or just a great loss of a life from the one you once knew.This story will Inspire and Encourage you.If it doesn't then you have no heart or compassion. It's a shame that this movie hasn't been out there in the way Facing the Giants has,because it's as every bit as good,if not better.Yes they touch on Christian belief,and they didn't have some big point where the main character was converted to Christianity,but his family was a family of faith before a tragic accident,and they stayed true to their faith.They told their story and belief in a way without beating you over the head with the Bible or Christianeese. This movie should be broadcast on lifetime,or cable somewhere.It has the ability to Inspire and Encourage many people.These athletes featured in this story are amazing.As an athlete I'm sure some athletes may find this sappy,but it's life is not always about being the tough guy.I say great job to the Cast and Crew,and I hope they continue to do more films like The Goal.

In a time when it's all about the money, it is good to know that passion and stick-to-it can get you so far. Darla Rae has brought an incredible array of local talent and resources to bear to create a genuine, emotional and inspirational movie to life. It is something many people may not get, but those who are ready to realize their own lives, their own mortality and their own blessings will embrace and cherish. I hope more people will get to see how important every person's life is and see that this movie is truly about how each and every one of us has something we are struggling with. The movie takes an approach not often seen - that of the people who really struggle with an accident, not just the injured person, but all those that it affects. And finally, that even after such a tragedy, that their can be a new, albeit, a different life. Thank you Darla for your enduring perspiration to bring this to the world!

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!