Remember the Panthers.

Rating: Null/10 (15 November 2004)

H.G. Bissinger's highly controversial novel about the Odessa Permian Panthers hits the big screen in "Friday Night Lights", one of the finest films ever produced. 1988 Odessa, Texas is a place where most things are not as good as they could be. The one thing that the people of the city have to hang their hats on is the local high school football team and the high probability that the team could win the state 5A championship. Things don't always go as planned though as head coach Billy Bob Thornton gets thrown a curve-ball quickly as his all-world running back (Derek Luke of "Antwone Fisher" glory) suffers a season-ending injury. Now it is up to quarterback Lucas Black (who worked with Thornton way back in 1996 in the modern classic "Sling Blade") and teammates Garrett Hedlund, Jay Hernandez, Lee Jackson and Lee Thompson Young to keep the team's lofty championship hopes alive. Also along for the ride is cinematic newcomer Tim McGraw (of country music fame) who nearly steals the show as Hedlund's alcoholic and disillusioned father who tries to relive his high school glory days through his emotionally tortured son. Director Peter Berg (best known for acting in the slightly popular television drama "Chicago Hope" and in the surprise hit "The Last Seduction") shows an amazing grasp for this subject matter. He is a deceptively strong director who has immense talent and first-rate vision. The bleakness and hopelessness of West Texas is shown with beautiful cinematography. The narrative tone is right on key as the production does not sell out like "Varsity Blues" or other lesser teen exploit flicks. Every character is complex and motivated by the opportunity that the team presents. Thornton is a revelation. He is easily one of the most talented and under-rated performers in Hollywood today. His credits are sometimes hit-and-miss, but Thornton is always consistent regardless of the project. The kids give landmark turns as well with Luke improving on the momentum he built in "Antwone Fisher" and Black continues to grow as a legitimate young actor. "Friday Night Lights" is the greatest homage to Texas since "Giant". Like "Giant", this movie is more of a religious experience than a simple cinematic viewing. It also strikes a chord when dealing with small-town life ala classics "Hoosiers" and "The Last Picture Show". Emotionally-charged, intelligently portrayed and wonderfully executed, "Friday Night Lights" is one of those movies whose brightness will likely never fade. Sometimes you truly do find heroes in the most unlikely places. 4.5 out of 5 stars.