Facing the Giants

Samuel Johnson once compared a female preacher to a dog walking on its hind legs, saying that while it might not be done well, you're surprised to see it done at all. That rather sexist analogy is perhaps more applicable to this high school football movie made by the members of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA—it's hardly a good film, but you still have to be amazed that something featuring an “all volunteer” cast and crew looks this professional. Alex Kendrick, an associate pastor at Sherwood, not only co-wrote the script and served as director but also stars as Grant Taylor, a put-upon coach who may shortly be fired from his position at a Christian school. If that weren't tribulation enough, Taylor is also poor, drives a car that frequently conks out, and has just been informed that he can't father a child. In the depths of depression, Taylor finds solace in the Bible, and begins preaching to his team, who suddenly begin winning, and—after surmounting the predictable hurdles—make it to the state championship. Along for the ride is an undersized kicker encouraged to join the team by his wheelchair-bound dad, and wouldn't you just know that this little fellow with the appropriate name of David will become the instrument through which all of the opposing Goliaths are brought low? While there's an audience looking for high-minded movies with Christian messages, the admittedly sincere Facing the Giants is also regrettably full of ludicrous sports and religious clichés. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, 15 minutes of deleted scenes, 12 minutes of “Fumbles, Funnies & Other Fun Stuff” outtakes and bloopers, an eight-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, an interview with Mark Richt, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs football team (4 min.), a “With You” musical tribute montage performed by Mark Willard, and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)[Blu-ray Review—Sept. 15, 2009—Sony, 111 min., PG, $28.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2006's Facing the Giants sports a good transfer with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 sound. Blu-ray extras are identical to the standard DVD release, including audio commentary by filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, deleted scenes (15 min.), “Fumbles, Funnies & Other Fun Stuff” outtakes and bloopers (12 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (8 min.), an interview with head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs football team Mark Richt (4 min.), a “With You” musical tribute montage performed by Mark Willard, and trailers. Bottom line: although it looks better on Blu-ray, this inspirational film still disappoints on a narrative level.]