Don't let the low scores fool you into not watching this movie. It is genuine, deep, moving and a feel-good movie. Well-written and a really good cast. Do yourself and your family a favor and watch it, together.

You gotta believe. If you don't, it don't matter much, because there are others who do and they will persevere. Something along those lines could be the message of the movie. It doesn't mean that everything will always be good, but you can either be a cynic about it or enjoy this for what it is.Based on a true story this surely takes liberties (no pun intended). I'm pretty sure that other believes may have similar inspirational stories, so depending on your stance and your willingness to dive into the Christianity aspect of it (and all the hurdles thrown into its way of course). If you can and want to, get to watching, otherwise forget about it.

When you combine American Football, a true story and religion, you seem to always get a spectacular film. The film revolves around the story of Tony Nathan, a magnificent high school American Football Player who, along with other African-American students who are attending Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama as part of a desegregation during 1973 where racism was still very rampant. Given that this film involves a lot of sports scenes, I expected a lot of fast paced action sequences and these scenes were captured perfectly in my opinion, along with the other scenes that make up the entire film, including the blending of what looked to be actual footage from the real story. It was able to convey the drama, inspiration and emotion that the story holds and it reached me. Some scenes even left me teary eyed. The film stars a few familiar faces such as Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee from The Lord Of The Rings.), Jon Voight (Anaconda, National Treasure, Mission Impossible to name a few, he's also Angelina Jolie's dad.) and Sherri Shepherd (Think Like A Man).I personally enjoy sports related dramas, things along the lines of Coach Carter, Remember The Titans and Invictus to name a few. I'd say that Woodlawn is one of those movies that will leave you with a good feeling after you've watched it, especially since it's a true story. I'd even consider it a spiritual kind of film, even if you're not the most religious of people. It's a story about persevering against all odds and using the talents you've been given to the best of your ability, using them to make a difference and a positive impact not just on yourself but on everyone you come into contact with. It shows what we as people can achieve if we really choose to work together regardless of differences. It reminds us of the value of teamwork and standing up for what you believe in no matter what. It helped remind me of what can be accomplished if we push forward in spite of obstacles and temporary setbacks.Whether you're into sports or not, religious or not, athlete or not, I'd really recommend that you watch this film. It's definitely worth your time. :)For my other reviews, feel free to check out tomhuang03.blogspot.com

The problems started in Birmingham, Alabama when forced integration was imposed. The time is the 1970s and Alabama is a hot bed of racial tensions and what happened here with the Woodlawn High School football team can be truly called a miracle. The positive impact of what this team did to help themselves and the community is still going on today. This is based upon a true story.I mention Tony Nathan above as many may know who he is. I had no idea who he was at the time, but he could run routes unlike any other and even caught the attention of Paul "Bear" Bryant, (Jon Voight) the legendary Coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.This all starts with the entrance as self described Evangelist known as Hank (Sean Astin). He just shows up one day and some of us thought he was not real, was never really there or was an Angel (Thinking big, are we?) Hmmm? Then the miracle aspect would have made sense. After some resistance, he gets the team to come together by praying together and it works. They come together as a team and learn to rely on each other to win. Of course, we see the High School Superintendent as vigorously opposed to all this and threatens the Woodlawn Coach Gerelds (Nic Bishop). In time the prayer fest spreads throughout the community and, at one point, this also spreads to one of Woodlawn's fiercest rivals, the Banks Jets.The story is indeed inspirational and well acted throughout. But one of the real winners in here is the music that will "pump you up" and even get you to cheering when you had no intention of doing so. (Was that really you jumping up and down?)The football game scenes are nothing but brutal and I made several doctor appointments. Although this is preachy in places, you need to remember that this is all true and what happened because of it may be considered a miracle. Racial tensions in the 1970s in the South were real and, in many ways, are still real. Again, the impact of what happened in Woodlawn and Birmingham is still going on and this is a good thing. Again, this is well worth your time. Jon Voight as Paul "Bear" Bryant outdoes himself and you only see Paul "Bear" Bryant and this is quite a treat.Stay to the end to see what happened to : Tony Nathan, Coach Gerelds, Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, QB Jeff Rutledge played by Richard Kohnke, and the Banks Jets Coach played by C. Thomas Howell. (9/10)Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No