For the Glory

An enjoyable, low-key Christian drama, For the Glory stars Jason Burkey as Kurt Kuykendall, a likable college student living with an angry, alcoholic mother (Nancy Fondriest) and a controlling father (Michael Landers). Residing in Bethesda, MD, the family enjoys deep connections to power in Washington, D.C., and the elder Kuykendall's plans for his son's future include a basketball scholarship. When Kurt—whose own wishes are ignored (he also bears the burden of his parents' grief over a long-ago family tragedy)—is cut from his college team, his father regards him as a near-loser who can barely be redeemed. Kurt becomes even more of a pariah at home when he discovers a talent for playing soccer and is invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic team. His romance with a supportive and spirited cheerleader (Chelsie Casagrande) adds further complications, and when a huge setback causes Kurt to doubt himself, he looks to God to help give him the strength to move forward. Director Donald Leow does a fine job of presenting the sports action, while also solidly evoking Washington wealth and power, and nicely capturing the modest grace of a community church. Combining fine performances with a compelling story about the tension between past trauma and future hope, this is recommended. (T. Keogh)