An "open your eyes" look at winning in America

Rating: 9/10 (5 November 2004)

Intense and well done, this movie peels back the layers of high school sports while it reves up the excitement at the same time. "Friday Night Lights" take many of us back to the days of high school sports, and how we each play a role in wanting to win. If you liked the style of "Any Given Sunday", this gritty film texture adds to the reality. It's a good cast with a quality supporting job by Tim McGraw. There are quite a few undertones here, but it's all assembled convincingly in a well built story of Texas football. For every parent who comes unglued at little league, and dons the school colors of their youth at the hometown Friday night game, take a close look. A microcosm of America, this is a movie that portrays the American spirit and desire to win. It shows that the concept of winning starts early and is supported without excuse by every aspect of our society. We love a winner, at any cost, and this movie is a winner!