Hometown Legend (2002) Poster

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5/10
just average
wildfire16028 February 2005
Having read all the comments about Hometown Legend one thing that struck me was how diametrically opposed they were,its really bad or how impossibly good it was....... I'm afraid its not either of those though there's a lot to like in it,the acting and football scenes are excellent the music is good but as another reviewer has said there are just too many hokey cliques in the plot and some really stupid plot devices especially those involving the coach,football teams losing streak, school closing, we've seen it all before and done much better if it had been a true story i could have forgiven it all of this but in a drama there should at least be some attempt at an original thought.......a just above average film no worse no better
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I loved the movie!
godsgirl42522 November 2002
I loved Hometown Legend. In fact my sister and brother are watching right now.. It is a very good and clean movie. I love Alabama and they give a good inpreation of it there. haha They directed it very well. I loved "Left Behind' and when I saw that the director from "Left Behind" directed it I knew I would like this movie. God Bless, Kathryn
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1/10
wow
Bainer10421 December 2004
What great family fun, you must have crowded around the fire and watch this movie burn because that is the only thing this movie is good for. This movie was quite possibly the worst movie I have ever seen, hands down. They had almost every cliché in this movie that I have ever heard, the only time I laughed was when my friend told me it was a real movie and not a spoof. They really stole lines and themes from any teen movie over the past ten years worth mentioning. If you want examples I will be happy to give them, but not now because I really don't feel like it, there are too many to mention without being asked for it. But seriously how on Earth can you call this a good movie, and Michael Medved must be out of work by now because there is no way any decent movie reviewer would recommend this movie to anyone. The fact that this movie is even mentioned in the same breath as Hoosiers and Remember the Titans should be considered blasphemy and taken outside and beaten with the "bone" that apparently keeps rolling throughout the 108 minutes of pure hell. These actors and writers are total hacks and suck at life, I hope none of them work again in the movie business another day in their life. Did anyone else notice that they lost by 30 points in the state championship game? That wasn't heartwarming, it was pathetic, they got crushed. If you are still reading this I will be impressed. I can't believe that no one else has ripped into this movie the way it should have been ripped into. I am going to go take a dump and get more entertainment in that ten minutes then I got in 108 minutes from that train wreck of a movie. -Disgruntled Movie Goer

P.S. By the way the movie was 3 bucks at coconuts, the movie "Bronx Warriors: 2001" that was made in the 80's with a payroll the price of a bike costs 5 bucks. Think about that, and I hope you all get a bad rash.
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7/10
Good Film
jeff_adkins430044 July 2005
I was very impressed with the overall cleanliness of this film. Definitely something that the whole family can enjoy and nothing that a parent would have to cover anyone's eyes.

This is an example of good Christian film making that will show that Christians can make a quality film.

Their world view definitely comes out in this film. That view is hope!

Keep up the good work.

The film is up there in quality with Return of the Titans.

It's a story about redemption, faith, forgiveness, love and team!

Again, keep up the good work.

Executive produced by one of the authors of the Left Behind Series.
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10/10
Wonderful addition to my collection
Sandcastling Guy26 December 2002
Received the DVD as a Christmas present, and only have one complaint (and it's not even the movie's fault) -- I wish the aspect ratio were widescreen. A movie as inspirational as this deserves that "big screen" look, especially for the numerous (and well shot) football sequences. Funny that the trailer appears to be widescreen. Hmmm.

Well acted, and believable, there were several touching moments in the various character's journeys. Lacey Chabert and Nick Cornish have a good on screen chemistry, while Terry O'Quinn is perfect as the perfectionist coach. I thought I could predict how everything would turn out. I was wrong -- and I love that in a movie!

Also nicely done: the background score. (Wish the audio was 5.1, but the Dolby Pro Logic was quite adequate). Dan Haseltine and Joe Hogue are to be congratulated on creating a nice "high school" feel during the many action sequences. The quiet scenes are are rendered nicely, reminding me of the excellent score from "Remember the Titans".

For it's sound focus on quality drama, moving moments, great sport shots and without trashy language, I highly recommend this film.
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9/10
In Alabama, football is a way of life
Karma-1529 January 2002
Yes, we love our football way down in Alabama, and this movie does a decent job of showing that. It's about a high school football team in Alabama, and if you're actually from the South, you might enjoy it a little more than if you're not. It's kind of like being from New York might help you enjoy "Sex and the City" than if you're not.

There are tons of University of Alabama references, so if you just can't stand the mighty Crimson Tide, you might want to skip this one. The football coach quotes "Bear" Bryant, and the team wears crimson jerseys. Also, the winner of a big scholarship that the high school gives always uses it to attend Alabama.

"Legend" also has a strong Christian theme, but it's not overbearing. It's not like it's trying to convert you -- instead, it's just part of the movie, just like Christianity is a part of Southern towns.

Maybe my only minor nitpick is that the Southern accents don't ring true for every character in the movie. Some of the actors sound like they're trying hard to sound like they're from Alabama. Lacey Chabert's accent sounds true, but then again she's originally from Purvis, Miss. However, I'm from the South, so the accents stand out to me. If you're not Southern, you probably won't even notice or care about them.
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Better off reading the book
leblumax23 January 2006
Better off reading the book if you want the story.

The football scenes looked like a bunch of JR High kids. Slow and sloppy.

Also, realizing telling the whole story would have taken 4 hours at the pace of this movie, there was WAY TOO much left out and to the imagination.

I absolutely LOVED the book, but was bored silly during the whole movie after the first 10 minutes which I admit did choke me up. But if I hadn't read the book even that would have bored me. I would still have thought it was a poor to only OK movie.
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10/10
It should have been called "The Legend of Snitch #2"
mbsd-11 March 2006
This was a wonderful movie. Primarily due to Dorian Normand's wonderful performance as Snitch #2. My wife and I led an 8 week discussion group with some of our friends. There some heated battles resulting in several law suits and a divorce. However, everyone agreed on one thing: the plot followed the wrong hometown hero. Snitch #2's emotional growth receives almost no attention at all. He, of course, is instantly lovable, yet almost unknowable. Nonetheless, the year and a half I spent writing redrafts of the script in which Snitch #2 receives the recognition that he deserves was one of the best times of my life. No studios nor independent film makers were interested, but I felt like I had made a difference. I saw this movie in the afternoon. That evening I watched a performance of The Cherry Orchard with Peter O'Toole and Emma Thompson. I left at intermission.
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Don't waste your time.
dghtroftheKing26 March 2010
My family and I watched this film and came away extremely disappointed and frustrated. We were excited and optimistic upon learning that Jerry Jenkins directed it, but afterwards felt that we'd been lied to and betrayed. This film does NOT embrace godly Christian values. It's references to God and Christianity are flippant, fake, and disrespectful. The leadership examples are TERRIBLE. They would be disappointing even if they weren't presented as "Christian". Such examples and behavior is unacceptable and inappropriate, especially in adult leadership. Oh, and it's not completely family friendly, there was some decidedly inappropriate and unnecessary content in there. Oh and another thing...the football was terrible. Those that compared it to Remember the Titans need to watch Remember the Titans again. The football and acting are way better, the leadership examples are far more edifying, and the theme is far more deserving of your time. This is not an accurate or good representation of true Christianity. Shame on you, Mr. Jenkins, for not having the guts to take a strong and unashamed stand on what you claim to believe in. We expected better from you. That is not the God I worship, the kind of leaders I would respect, or the kind of movie I will watch again. If you're looking for a good movie that has strong Christian values, good leadership, and is thoroughly edifying for the ENTIRE family, I encourage you to rent the movie Facing the Giants. Don't waste your time on this.
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9/10
Hometown Legend
gottafindnemo9113 April 2005
I thought Hometown legend was a really great movie. Although it and the town were both fictional, it truly captures the feelings about football in Alabama. It is life. Every Friday night, the whole town supports their team at the high school football field, no matter how small that town is or how bad their team really is. It's a great thing.

I also thought the religion parts and especially Rachel's prayer in the beginning say it all. The two things in the South your mammas teach you to believe in are God and your high school football team. Everyone supports their team, and football is everything. The movie shows that wonderfully. It was a great movie, and really brings out the feeling of high school in a small town.

Yes, the accents were a little extreme and fake at some points,(maybe I just notice it because I grew up in Athens?) but for the most part I loved it. I think whether you are from the south, are never have been here, I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone.
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8/10
A decent family movie.
pyrah_of_fires_realm10 June 2005
I thought this movie was pretty good for the budget they had to work with. I live near where some of the movie was filmed. You know that scene in the beginning with the guy jumping over the fence? That was on my Uncle's property in Robertsdale. Some of the Cafe scenes were also filmed in Robertsdale at Mac and Jerry's. The filming people even left some of the props they brought in back of Mac and Jerry's. It's kind of weird living right down the road from where some of this movie was filmed. Hometown Legend is a decent, family friendly movie that deserves to be seen. All in all, I really enjoyed it, and am glad that I bought it.
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10/10
Finally!!!
latesa_graham28 January 2002
Finally, we have people trying to make a difference in the entertainment industry!!! This movie was GREAT! I enjoyed not having to worry about what would be showing from scene to scene. Awesome plot, and the actors were great!!! This is the kind of film that I wouldn't mind seeing time and time, again!!! Thank you, Jenkins Entertainment, for producing a film that the whole family can see and enjoy!!!
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10/10
Hollywood Has Competition
heavenbound22 February 2002
It's wonderful to see family movies coming into the light recently. Jerry Jenkins has done an amazing job of producing a film that has all the elements that a big Hollywood film has. Hometown Legend will make you laugh, it will bring tears to your eyes, and you'll find yourself cheering! The actors were superb, especially the very talented Terry O'Quinn. Even though the storyline is not unique, Mr. Anderson has brought a fresh approach to the film. Hollywood has been forced to change their idea of entertainment recently, hopefully they will learn from Mr. Jenkins and produce more family oriented films.
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10/10
One of the nicest surprises of the year
paperguy13 April 2002
Since this film doesn't have huge studio promotion or A-list stars, you might be inclined to dismiss it. But this is a very entertaining film, with a surprisingly good look for a small-budget independent production. This football film has lots of solid action and avoids most of the usual cliches. It features solid performances by a mostly unknown cast. Nearly everything works -- the drama is dramatic, the comedy is funny. Do yourself a favor and give this film a chance.
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10/10
An American Classic
JOJOHO27 January 2002
Good Wholesome Family Fun-filled movie. I saw everyone from children to senior citizens in the theater. Laughing and applauding. Great music by the way. Great football scenes. Nice Chemistry between the coach and the assistant coach. some comments were that it started a little slow but after a third of the movie you got hooked and it only got better!
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10/10
beautiful flick
modelbehavior2411 July 2006
This movie is one of my all time FAVORITE movies!!! It is great, the actors are very talented. And, you can watch it with anybody without worrying about being uncomfortable. It is a very wonderful plot, and I think you should watch it! It took me a few times to watch it and like it, but it was AMAZING!!! Jerry B. Jenkins really pulls you into this movie and makes it seem so real. The music matches it perfectly (Nickel Creek). It takes place in a small town and makes you feel happy to watch it. I give it a ten, but it deserves higher then that! Anyone who doesn't like this movie, well they have their opinions, but they will, eventually.
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Mark McLachlan is excellent...Great Movie!!!!!
jhoward962 July 2002
Even if you're not a sports fan it is a great family movie. Great football scenes, music and actors. Mark McLachlan is super as "Sherman Naters"....go "Shermanater"! Excellent for for all ages. Keeps you hanging on till the end.
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10/10
I'm in the credits Kenny lindsey
chiefmusic3 March 2020
I was in this movie. Love the cast, great people to work with. I'm in the credits (kenny Lindsey) had a awesome time working with Scott Lumpkin, Anderson and every one involved. I lived in mobile Al at the time of filming. I'm all through the movie. Witch is a great family movie.
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it was cool
Youwish28428 June 2003
i have seen the movie and it was filmed in fairhope which isn't that far from where i live. Actually, they used one of my friends property,(well her grandfathers)and they actually filmed her and her sister as extras, but after watching the movie i think they cut them out, but still i thought it was really cool.
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