FACING THE GIANTS

Facing the Giants is a 2006 American drama film. The film was directed and starred by Alex Kendrick. The cast was made up of volunteers from a local church. The actors included Shannen Fields, James Blackwell, Bailey Cave, and Tracy Goode.

The film was not well-received by critics, earning a 13% approval rating at Rotten Tomatoes and a 38/100 score at Metacritic. The film's MPAA rating decision received some controversy from Christian groups, lawmakers, and producers. The plot follows a classic underdog story about American football with an evangelical Christian worldview

Coach Grant Taylor at Shiloh Christian Academy has never had a winning football season. His car breaks down frequently, his house is falling down around him, and he and his wife are unable to have children. When he overhears school parents plotting to have him fired, he reaches a crisis point and prays. The turning point for Coach Taylor is shortly after an intensive time of prayer. An older man who walks the halls of the school praying for the students shows up unexpectedly in the coach's office with a message of encouragement. The timing of that message overcomes the Coach's reluctance to change focus.

A sub-plot involves a short weak boy, David Childers (Bailey Cave), who hopes to play soccer despite the fact his school only offers football. His paraplegic father encourages him to play football only as a kicker, and David is at first reluctant. David's best kick is barely 35 yards. In the end, David is called upon to kick a field goal 51 yards. His father (Steve Williams) tries to stand, holding onto a gate, and saying a small prayer. David kicks the ball high and a sudden, strong wind pushes the ball, making David score successfully and his team wins.

Another sub-plot involves a rebellious but talented transfer student, Matt Prater (James Blackwell). His father hopes for a football scholarship for his son, but the son constantly disrespects and disregards his father. After the entire school experiences a revival, Matt feels the need to address his father during the school day. Coach Taylor provides the needed ride to Matt's father's office, and Matt apologizes to his father for poor behavior. A business associate (David Nixon) of the boy's father then contributes, "I'd give my right arm to hear my son say that to me."

Interaction between assistant coaches Brady Owens (Tracy Goode) and J.T. Hawkins, Jr. (Chris Willis) provides comic relief, in contrast to stereotypical black/white strife in Dixie. Brooke Taylor (Shannen Fields) wrestles with supporting her husband while facing continual disappointment in childbearing. This supplies both poignant and comedic moments.

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