i feel compelled to give this film a 9 and almost rated it a ten. It isn't original; it isn't award-winning craft or direction. The football scenes weren't that good. I'm not sure The Rock has improved or expanded his range as an actor or not. But this film is based on true events, and inspires a great deal of optimism for the nature of mankind. There is a sincere desire for reform and redemption as a mission here, by a penal institution no less. It is less punitive and more on the side of these kids who end up in the court system. Many of us don't consider ourselves to be "criminals", and yet, by definition, most of us have broken the law at some point in our lives. Perhaps they were for what might be considered minor infractions, such as coasting through a stop sign, or not declaring something at the airport. But they are still crimes. The big difference here, is, most of us don't get caught. And even if we do, many of us can escape a prison term. We are, after all, human. I really appreciated this film for it's compassion; it's desire to build self esteem in a person and give them a real shot at a fulfilling life; to turn their lives around. It went for a sincere attempt at eradicating recidivism and portraying "locked up" kids as complex human beings who want a better life. kudos to Grid Iron for that. Am i a bleeding heart? maybe. And if i am, so what? Better to give someone a chance for redemption than to shut them up and turn your back.
Review of Gridiron Gang
