Turning a Worst Nightmare into a Beautiful Vision

Rating: 10/10 (13 January 2008)

An outstanding testament to the human spirit's resilience. Whether or not you're a football fan, you'll love this powerful film of how the lives of an entire town are literally shredded as most of the town's population, and the most popular members at that, are all suddenly destroyed in an airplane crash. Teenagers, parents, friends, all gone. The beginning of the film alone up to and the immediate aftermath of the crash make watching the film worthwhile, though they are tough to take. Even macho men will find it hard not to shed a tear. Ironically, that is what makes it a great movie for both men and women (though it might be too rough for children because of the subject matter of sudden death and loss).
Ironically, too, you actually feel a sense of loss as a viewer because some of the best acting is during that first part of the film. Coach Tolley (Robert Patrick) is such a powerful presence and so well acted, that you literally miss him and wish he were the surviving actor. Though those that remain are great as well.
Schmaltzy, yes, and if it were not a true story I might say to avoid it. But as a nearly factual account of great strength in the face of great loss, I highly recommend it for men and women, and as a date movie. You will have a renewed sense of the preciousness of life, yours and those around you, as well as those who are not with you, and of the goodness of God who permits that loss but only for a short time. For life, and love, go on if we will only accept them, cherish them, and pass them along.