{"id":8843,"date":"2022-04-06T16:45:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-06T23:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=8843"},"modified":"2022-04-06T17:57:14","modified_gmt":"2022-04-07T00:57:14","slug":"high-expectations-an-inspirational-drama-about-perseverance-and-chasing-your-dreams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2022\/high-expectations-an-inspirational-drama-about-perseverance-and-chasing-your-dreams\/","title":{"rendered":"High Expectations * An Inspirational Drama About Perseverance And Chasing Your Dreams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/DqGVmm7wwIQ\/maxresdefault.jpg?resize=250%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"150\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Jack Davis (Taylor Gray) finds himself adrift after his father, the legendary Coach Davis (Kelsey Grammer), cuts him from his renowned soccer club, the <em>Carolina Mantis<\/em>. Estranged from his father, at odds with his brother, <em>Mantis<\/em> All-Star goalie Sam (Adam Aalderks), and desperate for purpose, Jack turns to his ex-girlfriend Sophia (Ally Brooke). Jack is inspired by her tough love and unwavering pursuit to become a recording artist.\u202fHe tackles his depression and takes one last shot at his lifelong dream by trying out for a rival soccer club. Can Jack finally prove that he is worthy of his dad&#8217;s love?\u202f Can he forgive and believe in second chances? <em>High Expectations<\/em> is the film debut for pop singer Ally Brooke (formerly of the girl group Fifth Harmony). Brooke performs the title track for the movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W. comments, \u201cHigh Expectations is an inspirational drama about perseverance and chasing your dreams.&nbsp; It is also a lesson in holding tight to family and the importance of nurturing those relationships.\u201d &nbsp;Heather S. adds, \u201cThis movie is very relatable. Many viewers will see themselves in Jack, a young adult who second guesses himself and never seems to do anything right. Jack has trouble finding his place in the world and proving his worth to everyone, including his own parents.\u201d Kyla C. adds, \u201cIf you\u2019re in search of a family drama or sports movie, <em>High Expectations <\/em>has it all. The storyline is fantastic, with many relatable characters and experiences, and a few important themes expressed throughout the story.\u201d And SaniyaRain F. wraps it with, \u201cThe message of High Expectations is that you should never give up on your dreams. Never give up on love. And never give up on your family. There is some language that would be inappropriate for younger viewers.\u201d See their full reviews and talent interviews below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High Expectations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bINNHk64rlc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/highexpectationsmovie.com\/wp-content\/gallery\/hex\/HEX_Still_44.jpg?resize=300%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>High Expectations<\/em> is an inspirational drama about perseverance and chasing your dreams.\u00a0 It is also a lesson in holding tight to family and the importance of nurturing those relationships.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jack Davis (Taylor Gray) is adrift in life and afraid to pursue his goals. He loves soccer and has dreamed of playing professionally for his father, the legendary Coach Davis (Kelsey Grammar) who also owns the <em>Carolina Mantis<\/em> soccer team. Jack was cut from the team before he ever played a professional game while his older brother Sam (Adam Aalderks) has become the team\u2019s All-Star goalie. Jack has always played in his brother\u2019s shadow both on and off the field and their relationship has resulted in many of his insecurities. Jack turns to his ex-girlfriend Sofia (Ally Brooke) for support, and her thoughtful, and, at times, tough love, helps him overcome his lack of confidence and direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/highexpectationsmovie.com\/wp-content\/gallery\/hex\/HEX_Still_1.jpg?resize=300%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This really is an ensemble cast put together by Russell Boast and Debi Manwiller, and I enjoyed the interaction between all of the different groups within the movie.&nbsp; The importance of family is felt in the large Davis clan headed by Kelsey Grammar who has some difficult and emotional scenes with Taylor Gray.&nbsp; The relationships between the brothers and other family members also seem very real. &nbsp;In addition to the familial relationships, there is also the support of his social groups such as team members and coaches, as well as his tight circle of friends.&nbsp; Pop singer Ally Brooke, who plays his love interest Sofia, is an inspiring recording artist in the film, and I enjoyed the scenes where her music inspires him\u2014she performs the title track for the movie as well.&nbsp; Another interesting fact is that Brianna Scurry (Coach Scurry) who portrays the first-ever female head coach of a professional men\u2019s soccer team is also a legendary U.S. Goalkeeper, World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message of this film is that family is everything.&nbsp; Even if you have very little wealth, if you have the love and support of your family you are blessed with more than real gold.&nbsp; Another important message in this film is to have grit and show everyone what you\u2019re made of.&nbsp; Don\u2019t accept other people\u2019s expectations regarding your abilities or limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I rate&nbsp;<em>High Expectations<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults.&nbsp;<em>High Expectations<\/em> premieres exclusively in over 850 theaters nationwide on April 7, 2022 for a special one-night-only event with Fathom Events. Don\u2019t miss your opportunity to view this uplifting film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High Expectations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-GofRHvMFT4?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/highexpectationsmovie.com\/wp-content\/gallery\/hex\/HEX_Still_11.jpg?resize=300%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>High Expectations\u00a0<\/em>is the perfect representation of millennial life! An extremely relatable protagonist and a fan favorite sport will leave you wanting to watch this film again several times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>High Expectations&nbsp;<\/em>follows Jack Davis (Taylor Gray), a young soccer player who was recently cut from his father\u2019s soccer team. Jack can\u2019t seem to catch a break, especially after his recent breakup with his girlfriend. Jack learns to navigate life as his family expects more of him and he learns to grow into himself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This movie is very relatable. Many viewers will see themselves in Jack, a young adult who second guesses himself and never seems to do anything right. Jack has trouble finding his place in the world and proving his worth to everyone, including his own parents. After being kicked off his dad\u2019s team, Jack digs deep inside of himself and learns that he only needs his own approval. This speaks to many young adults, and even younger audiences that may feel lost in the word. To see a character that is such a mess learning to take things day by day makes this refreshing and keeps viewers engaged the entire movie. By the end of the film, I wanted to know more about Jack, as if I was his longtime friend. The acting all around is phenomenal. The simplicity of the performances of each actor stands out, making it seem as though we\u2019re watching a reality show, not scripted dialogue. The chemistry Jack and his ex-girlfriend Sofia have is extraordinary. Without revealing too much of their history, we see the tension expressed by the two actors and feel how much Jack is still in love with her.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/highexpectationsmovie.com\/wp-content\/gallery\/hex\/HEX_Still_2.jpg?resize=300%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The message Jack learns is to love and respect himself. Jack struggles with gaining the approval of his friends, his family and especially his father. Once he learns to blaze his own trail and stand up for himself, he\u2019s viewed in a different light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give&nbsp;<em>High Expectations&nbsp;<\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 15 to 18 plus adults. It is available in theaters April 7, 2022.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High Expectations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QBNpFYoYvX0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in search of a family drama or sports movie, <em>High Expectations <\/em>has it all. The storyline is fantastic, with many relatable characters and experiences, and a few important themes expressed throughout the story. However, the acting isn\u2019t all it could be, with various characters slightly underdeveloped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/highexpectationsmovie.com\/wp-content\/gallery\/hex\/HEX_Still_7.jpg?resize=300%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>High Expectations <\/em>follows Jack Davis (Taylor Gray) three years after being cut from his father\u2019s (Kelsey Grammer) Division 1 soccer team. Having always been in the shadow of his star brother, Sam Davis (Adam Aaiderks), Jack longs to prove that he has athletic abilities too. With family issues and romantic conflicts along the way, Jack\u2019s journey to play for the Davis family\u2019s rival team is one entertaining hour and a half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This film has numerous strong points. The storyline is the best element\u2014it is relatable and realistic, including many aspects of life. Love is portrayed through Jack and his ex-girlfriend, Sofia (Ally Brooke) on their adventure through breakups, proposals and breakups again. Jack\u2019s family issues\u2014though probably more extreme than many viewers\u2019 own experiences\u2014replicate modern familial conflicts. His friendship with Eddie (Tyler Chase) makes for heartwarming segments of the film, when Eddie shows how wonderful a friend he is. Their support for each other, while having plenty of fun, provides a good model for healthy friendships. The sad moments when Jack is having an intense anxiety attack or struggling with anger issues make the film relatable. The locations for the soccer games are well chosen\u2014they show Jack\u2019s transformation from being just a local industrial league player to a professional soccer player. First, he plays on a poor quality grass field with a few bleachers. Later, he\u2019s on a turf field stadium with thousands of seats. The sets provide an easy way to differentiate the two opposites, especially when the plot moves so fast that it\u2019s slightly confusing. While not a clear shortcoming, the acting and character development doesn\u2019t reach the level of the plot. Taylor Gray as Jack has the top performance, excelling at portraying the struggles of anxiety, anger, and dealing with a mostly unsupportive family along with the romance and friendships. For the most part, the rest of the characters aren\u2019t as completely developed by the actors as the writers gave them room to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/highexpectationsmovie.com\/wp-content\/gallery\/hex\/HEX_Still_6.jpg?resize=300%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The message of <em>High Expectations <\/em>is to value the time you have with the people you love. Jack spends years hating his dad, but never gives him a chance to strengthen their father-son bond, until it could be too late. <em>High Expectations<\/em> reminds us we don\u2019t know what other people are going through and cautions us about making assumptions; and it expresses the theme of resisting drugs. Adults should be aware of some profanity, plus alcohol and drug use, as well as some heavy topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>High Expectations <\/em>gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me, and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can view <em>High Expectations <\/em>in participating theaters on April 7, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High Expectations<br>By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>High Expectations<\/em> is a suspenseful film, filled with surprises and romance. The film is also great to watch if you are a soccer fan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/highexpectationsmovie.com\/wp-content\/gallery\/hex\/HEX_Still_33.jpg?resize=300%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>High Expectations <\/em>digs deep into&nbsp;the life of soccer player Jack Davis (Taylor Grey), a man&nbsp;who is trying to find his path in life with a soccer career but keeps getting discouraged along the way. Jack&nbsp;is struggling throughout this time but his best friend Eddie (Tyler Chase) and his ex-girlfriend Sofia (Ally Brooke) help push him to make good decisions&nbsp;so he can conquer the conflicts he has.&nbsp;As time goes along, Jack starts improving himself so he can continue a real career in soccer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As far as the storyline goes, it\u2019s very relatable.\u00a0 I would find it difficult to live in someone&#8217;s shadow and that would block me from who I truly am\u2014which is how Jack feels when compared to his successful brother. My favorite part is the ending when Jack sees his true potential and puts all his work and effort into how he plays his games. I love how this film is relatable to many people and shows the struggles within people&#8217;s families and how it affects them. The story\u2019s ending is happy and includes a milestone for Jack to pass, which viewers will see if he does.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/highexpectationsmovie.com\/wp-content\/gallery\/hex\/HEX_Still_64.jpg?resize=300%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The message of <em>High Expectations<\/em> is that you should never give up on your dreams. Never give up on love. And never give up on your family.&nbsp;There is some language that would be inappropriate for younger viewers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>High Expectations<\/em> 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16, plus adults.<em> High Expectations <\/em>is set to premiere in theaters on April 7, 2022.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jack Davis (Taylor Gray) finds himself adrift after his father, the legendary Coach Davis (Kelsey Grammer), cuts him from his renowned soccer club, the Carolina Mantis. Estranged from his father, at odds with his brother, Mantis All-Star goalie Sam (Adam Aalderks), and desperate for purpose, Jack turns to his ex-girlfriend Sophia (Ally Brooke). Jack is inspired by her tough love and unwavering pursuit to become a recording artist.\u202fHe tackles his depression and takes one last shot at his lifelong dream by trying out for a rival soccer club. Can Jack finally prove that he is worthy of his dad&#8217;s love?\u202f Can he forgive and believe in second chances? High Expectations is the film debut for pop singer Ally Brooke (formerly of the girl group Fifth Harmony). Brooke performs the title track for the movie.<br \/>\nKIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W. comments, \u201cHigh Expectations is an inspirational drama about perseverance and chasing your dreams.  It is also a lesson in holding tight to family and the importance of nurturing those relationships.\u201d  Heather S. adds, \u201cThis movie is very relatable. Many viewers will see themselves in Jack, a young adult who second guesses himself and never seems to do anything right. Jack has trouble finding his place in the world and proving his worth to everyone, including his own parents.\u201d Kyla C. adds, \u201cIf you\u2019re in search of a family drama or sports movie, High Expectations has it all. The storyline is fantastic, with many relatable characters and experiences, and a few important themes expressed throughout the story.\u201d And SaniyaRain F. wraps it with, \u201cThe message of High Expectations is that you should never give up on your dreams. Never give up on love. And never give up on your family. There is some language that would be inappropriate for younger viewers.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15],"tags":[4849,4857,4850,4853,4851,4860,4859],"class_list":["post-8843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-ally-brooke","tag-brianna-scurry","tag-christopher-d-white","tag-jonathan-southard","tag-kelsey-grammer","tag-kristin-thordarson","tag-taylor-gray-world-cup-champion"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-2iD","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8843","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8843"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8843\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8851,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8843\/revisions\/8851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8843"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8843"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8843"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}