Gritty realistic version of 1999's "Varsity Blues"

Rating: 7/10 (8 May 2017)

Released in 2004 and based on H.G. Bissinger's true-life book, "Friday Night Lights" details the 1988 football season of the Permian High School Panthers of Odessa, Texas. Billy Bob Thornton plays the resolute yet caring coach who has to deal with the pressure to win while Connie Britton plays his wife. Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Lee Jackson and Lee Thompson Young appear as the players, amongst others. Tim McGraw is also on hand.
While based on a true story, the film borrows heavily from 1999's "Varsity Blues, which concerned a central Texas team, about 300 miles southeast of Odessa. But, then again, "Varsity Blues" no doubt borrowed from Bissinger's book and made a fictionalized version of the events. In any case, "Varsity" is a Hollywoodized version of a Texas champion football team whereas "Friday Night Lights" is a docudrama. Whether you prefer one or the other depends on what you want. In my opinion "Varsity" is the better film simply because it's more entertaining and entertainment is the name of the game in cinema. Yet "Friday" is a compelling realistic take on the same topic. With the exception of Boobie Miles (Derek Luke), "Varsity" has far more memorable football players; in "Friday" they're bland by comparison.
However, Thornton is noteworthy as the coach. Speaking of which, the character of the coach is the most significant difference between the two films. In "Varsity" the coach (Jon Voight) is power-mad and abusive whereas in "Friday Night" he's determined yet goodhearted.
The film runs 118 minutes and was shot in Texas (Odessa, Abilene, Elgin, Taylor, Austin & the Houston Astrodome) with the opening trailer shot filmed in Manhattan, Kansas.
GRADE: B