A feel-good sports movie

Rating: 7/10 (27 December 2006)

An upbeat, positive feel-good sports movie that will also appeal to non-sports fans. Fun and hopeful without being sentimental. The audience was reluctant to leave the theater when it was over -- they wanted the movie to continue. An uplifting movie based on actual events. The tragic, shocking plane crash that killed 75 people is deftly handled off screen. The director showed commendable restraint in not creating a gory crash scene. Instead, the film focuses on the emotional trauma the crash inflicts on the entire town. The only injuries graphically portrayed in the film occur on the football field. This film emphasizes the fact that you don't have to win a bowl game, to be a winner. Okay, there is about 60 seconds near the end that is over-sentimental, but I guess the director was entitled. Be sure to stick around for shots of the movie stars with their real-life counterparts.