I liked it, but was looking for more...

Rating: Null/10 (7 October 2004)

Just came back from watching the movie and I think it will do well and in general it is a good movie... BUT after waiting for the movie for so long, after reading the book, I was left hoping for more. What did I miss? I missed several of the characters which were brushed over or left out. But mainly I missed the pageantry and in particular the band's music. You could hear "Hawaii Five-O" in the background once, but some of the psyche up songs(like Back in Black!), the PHS band, the cheerleaders, the pre-game school pep rally all should have been part of the movie. Where was the 'MOJO/RE-BEL' duels, where were the 'NO MO MOJO' chants... there were enough "slow moments" that I think a bit more of the passion of the school and all the football related activities should have had a part in the movie. Those who lamented that the PHS band had not been used in the movie, will not feel bad as the band plays basically NO part in the film.
I would say there was a bit too much 'Boobie' Miles at the expense of other characters. On the other hand the coach's character was expanded even beyond what I remember from the book, and the acting from Thornton was excellent. The game action sequences were excellent. And even though the music left me wanting for more, the music as the teams took the field in the Astrodome was EXCELLENT! I thought they treated the famous bounce pass scene very well. The social edge from the book ALMOST came out here, and in the pre-game meeting between the Carter and Permian coaches. The final sequences of the players falling short, but realizing they had given their all, were for me the highlight of the movie. I would have added a bit more importance to the end, when they talk about Permian winning State in '89. After all they were ESPN HS National Champions in '89, and you could have given an additional 'feel good' finish. At the theater where I saw the movie the lights were on and everyone was walking out when this finally came on the screen! Overall I recommend this movie highly, but I also recommend you get the book and read it. The book will have a harder edge, but it will also give life to many of the characters that the movie only skims over...