The lead actor of Disney Channel fame hit it out of the park. He gave full commitment to this character. I totally believed him as an East Coast ballplayer facing adversity.
One thing that was annoying, yet obviously true to life, was how all these white kids were talking in colloquial black cadence. But I'm sure the real Cory told the actors that that's the way they spoke. It makes sense.
Every character was a super nice person, which seemed a bit manufactured. But perhaps this kid had luck with people, if not with health. The most interesting part was the difference in the two girlfriends. Both were nice human beings, but they had different approaches to life that were highlighted effectively.
Congratulations to the writers also, who phrased the emotions beautifully without overdoing it.
Throughout I found myself wondering if the guy was too self-absorbed, before and during his trauma. Most "jock" types do sort of see themselves as the star in the movie of their life, so I assume that was true. Yet we do see him, with the aid of awkward narration (my one criticism), take an interest in other's lives and forgive another. In fact that was part of the theme that things happen for a reason.
If there was a reason, it was probably not solely so that he could be an inspiration to others. It was rather so that he could personally transform from a cocky, self-absorbed stud into a loving, supportive person with wider vision.
The climactic scene was recreated with taste and reserve. It's hard to avoid clichés in those scenes, but they didn't lay it on too thick. It was based on a real situation anyways.
I think it was a T.V. movie, so they couldn't use profanity. But chances are in real life there was plenty of profanity in the locker room and during arguments. It was a bit too "Hallmark-oriented" for a true story of sports grit.
Also, I needed more background on the supporting characters. How did he know his best friend? Where was Cory actually from. We see him at home and then at college, but he mentioned once that they were several hours apart. How did he meet the first girlfriend? Did this all really happen during warm months? Because we don't see the freezing cold snowy weather that would normally characterize that part of the country.
Also, what is he doing now? I know this was made only a couple years later, but is he coaching, working, doing more school? Is he still with the girl?
