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.
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.