Remember the Goal

Dave Christiano has made an enjoyable, heartfelt and inspiring film that speaks to teens, parents, coaches, and even those who may just work with young people. It's also not afraid to go beyond just being entertaining, and addresses issues confronting teens in this day and age, and provides lessons that can be learned from, but it does that in a way that is seamless, not a "smacked over-the-head" presentation. The story and cast are quite enjoyable, as is the cinematography and soundtrack. I write a faith-based film column and I can honestly say this will easily be one of my favorite films. Once you've seen this, do yourself a favor and go find one of the many other fine films from Dave and Rich Christiano.

This is an amazing movie that show how god can help you even while doing sports.

The starting premise is a private christian high school running team. It is much deeper that I expected and I found rewatching rewarding. It has multiple narrative lines, is personality driven, has a morality focus, and it finds some useful technical running ideas.

The moral dilemas are interesting the personalities are credible and engaging. The production values and acting are Hallmark+ quality. The music is well matched to the story. The plot pacing is nicely developed. The climax is was exciting and satisfying. The polarising issue is the openly christian theme. The examples and scripture is unmissable but appropriate. It is clearly not be to everyone's taste but you do not need to be any kind of runner or christian to understand and enjoy this film.

Free on Youtube at the moment. It got some of the recognition it deserved. A good independant film. The (stand alone) sequel 'The Perfect Race' is also very good, similar flavour, perhaps even better though.

I recommend both.

I love sports movies with a Christian message (Chariots of Fire, Facing the Giants) and my daughter and I especially liked this one. It has a good message about remembering to focus on the long-term goals, which is important to remember in sports and other areas of life.

Took our daughter to watch this with her friends for her 16th Birthday. Not only did all the girls love it, we got to meet the writer of the film and 2 of the girls whom he coached and had inspired him to write the film. We got to talk with them and take pictures together after the film. What a great bonus to a great movie!