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WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL

When The Game Stands Tall is a movie inspired by the true story of high school football coach, Bob Ladouceur. It tells the story of the longest high school football winning streak. The winning streak of 151 games is not just the longest for high school football but it the third most in all sports - ever!

Actor Jim Caviezel portrays Coach Bob Ladouceur. Coach Ladouceur or "Coach Lad" as team calls him is the head football coach of California high school De La Salle aka the Spartans. He is not like typical big time high school coaches. He doesn't yell much or get too excited on the sidelines. To Coach Lad the streak didn't matter that much, it is the life lessons the team members learn that are important to him. Coach Lad is also a Life Skills teacher at De La Salle High School.

The movie begins by showing events that led up the Spartan's 151st win. It shows how being a high school coach has affected Coach Lad's personal life. Coach Lad's wife, Bev (Laura Dern), wants him to spend more time at home. She is frustrated that Coach Lad would rather coach high school where he is not making a lot of money instead of considering offers to coach at a college. Coach Lad's son Danny (Matthew Daddario) feels neglected by his father and later, he feels neglected by his father as a coach. Danny is a junior who is excited about becoming a senior and having his own time to shine. He is a good athlete but not the best. Some of teammates feel that he gets playing time because the coach is his father.

Senior, Terrance "TK" Kelly (Stephan James Born), is a standout outside linebacker and tight end. He is being raised by his father and grandmother. Many college teams want him to commit to going to their school. With the assistance of his father he finally decides on a college. His father and grandmother are very proud that he is going to make it out the tough neighborhood where he currently lives. Senior, Cameron "Cam" Colvin (Ser'Darius Blain), is a starting wide receiver. He is dealing with a lot of personal tragedies, including the death of his father and his mother's terminal cancer. He and TK are best friends and, after some hesitation, they pledge to attend the same college. Junior running back, Chris Ryan (Alexander Ludwig), is on the verge of breaking the state records for touch downs. The movie shows him being bullied by his father to get the record.

I really like this movie. My favorite part is when Coach Lad makes the team visit a veteran's hospital. The visit humbles the players and changes many of their attitudes.

When The Game Stands Tall shows how to deal with and overcome adversities on and off the field.

Reviewed by Brooklyn W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11.

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The journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur, who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport. Stars Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig and Michael Chiklis. Directed by Thomas Carter