What's it about:
The remarkable journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur, who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport.
What the critics say:
We've seen the 'Full eyes, clear hearts, can't lose' ethic before on screen, and more winningly dramatized, but When the Game Stands Tall does a good, and family-friendly, job of encapsulating Ladouceur's 'winning' approach...
- Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Ultimately, though, it's as sappy and superficial as its title-it feels good on the surface, but it doesn't mean much at all.
- Andrew Johnson, Movie Mezzanine
Caviezel's performance is so low-key, it almost feels like he's standing on the sidelines of the movie in which he's supposed to be starring.
- Neil Pond, American Profile
It is the kind of family film that seeks to negate criticism of any type by declaring itself "clean" and "decent" and ultimately spiritual.
- Mal Vincent, The Virginian-Pilot
The remarkable journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur, who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport.
What the critics say:
We've seen the 'Full eyes, clear hearts, can't lose' ethic before on screen, and more winningly dramatized, but When the Game Stands Tall does a good, and family-friendly, job of encapsulating Ladouceur's 'winning' approach...
- Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Ultimately, though, it's as sappy and superficial as its title-it feels good on the surface, but it doesn't mean much at all.
- Andrew Johnson, Movie Mezzanine
Caviezel's performance is so low-key, it almost feels like he's standing on the sidelines of the movie in which he's supposed to be starring.
- Neil Pond, American Profile
It is the kind of family film that seeks to negate criticism of any type by declaring itself "clean" and "decent" and ultimately spiritual.
- Mal Vincent, The Virginian-Pilot