While there is a Woodlawn High School in my town of Baton Rouge, LA, this one is about a Woodlawn in Birmingham, AL, that seemed in danger of closing because of the racial incidents that happened when it was integrated in the early '70s. The coach employs a motivational speaker-played by Sean Astin-to help heal whatever issues the school football players had with each other and it seems to do the trick, especially when one of the black players-Tony Nathan-suddenly becomes very valuable to the team. I'll stop there and just say this is quite an inspirational true-life drama to watch in light of recent racial strife we seem to be going through right now. Oh, and I also liked Jon Voight's playing of legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, as well. So on that note, I recommend Woodlawn.
71 Reviews
Worth seeing
SpiritMechanic15 October 2015
Saw s screening of this a couple of months ago. The movie is pretty good even though i think there should have been a little more development in some of the characters. It would have came together a little better in the end. I would definitely recommend it though. This is a Christian move so of course there will be many haters just for this fact. Yes it is a little preachy but not so embarrassing as a lot of others. If this wasn't based on a true story, i would have given it a lower rating because it seemed to be a little too far fetched ( in a good way ). But i asked one of the persons at the screening who was involved with the picture if this really happened as it was shown and he said yes, it was. This isn't just a football movie. Its a lot more, so don't go in expecting just another Christian football movie. If you do want a good Christian football movie, see 'When the Game Stands Tall' So it is a great story that really happened. There are a few things that weren't explained fully that left me wanting more but nevertheless, i liked it. You wont be disappointed..
too much of a God thing?
A_Different_Drummer11 January 2016
A very hard film to review, a film clearly of the "faith" genre so well produced, acted, directed, cast that it literally pulls at its own leash and tries to cross over into the mainstream.
Also lost in the shuffle is the fact that the "mystery" evangelist who appears out of nowhere and sparks the story fathered two sons who .. big coincidence here.. produced the movie.
A wonderful performance by Voight who frankly we take too much for granted. Compare his work here to Ray Dovovan and you will wonder if you are looking at the same actor.
A film is in many ways the ultimate recipe for a soufflé. Leave it in the oven a few minutes too long and it falls.
The irony is that with a little more judicious editing, a little less preaching, the objective of a true crossover might have been achieved.
Also lost in the shuffle is the fact that the "mystery" evangelist who appears out of nowhere and sparks the story fathered two sons who .. big coincidence here.. produced the movie.
A wonderful performance by Voight who frankly we take too much for granted. Compare his work here to Ray Dovovan and you will wonder if you are looking at the same actor.
A film is in many ways the ultimate recipe for a soufflé. Leave it in the oven a few minutes too long and it falls.
The irony is that with a little more judicious editing, a little less preaching, the objective of a true crossover might have been achieved.
This movie does not disappoint
subxerogravity21 October 2015
This was one of two football movies coming out at the same time. The other was My All American. Being football movies they do have a similar concept, but while My All American seems to be about an underdog overcoming his physical condition, In Woodlawn, the underdogs use faith to over come their challenges, the biggest one being off the field...Segregation.
Based on a true story of a high school football team that fought segregation with the help of Christ. I'm not that big of a fan of faith based films, and this movie is faith base. It seemed too easy, even to the coach of the high school team, for these teenagers, who haven't even wrapped around their heads going to an non-segregated school, to somehow band together through the love of Jesus, but who am I to argue with the touching moments that occurred through those scenes (maybe that's how it happen?).
For me, the best part of the movie was the football. The way the camera moves within the players on the football field was hands down spectacular. I don't think I've ever seen a football movie filmed in such a matter. I felt closer to the grid Iron than I ever did watching a film.
Overall, it's an amazing story about how Jesus united blacks and whites in a place in Alabama on a football field. Go to watch the football, stay for the inspiring message.
Based on a true story of a high school football team that fought segregation with the help of Christ. I'm not that big of a fan of faith based films, and this movie is faith base. It seemed too easy, even to the coach of the high school team, for these teenagers, who haven't even wrapped around their heads going to an non-segregated school, to somehow band together through the love of Jesus, but who am I to argue with the touching moments that occurred through those scenes (maybe that's how it happen?).
For me, the best part of the movie was the football. The way the camera moves within the players on the football field was hands down spectacular. I don't think I've ever seen a football movie filmed in such a matter. I felt closer to the grid Iron than I ever did watching a film.
Overall, it's an amazing story about how Jesus united blacks and whites in a place in Alabama on a football field. Go to watch the football, stay for the inspiring message.
HISstory film scores big
rking-1917 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
(Please pardon lack of detail to keep spoilers modest.)
Woodlawn tells an amazing, true story of black and white people embracing change and each other as they also embrace God, while working to transform haters of all types, using a football team as the delivery mechanism.
Woodlawn High School of Birmingham, Alabama has been forced to integrate (mix white and black students), leading to anger on all sides (but for different reasons). The football team takes on some black players including Tony Nathan, an impressive runner. The lackluster team's hard-edged coach reluctantly allows a "religious nut" to speak to his team amidst the racial tension. The result? The team chooses to stand with one another in unity and love amidst the racial tension surrounding them. But in the jet-wash of this transformation come intense new attacks from all sides, within and without -- including indirectly from Governor George Wallace, a key inspiration for racism in Alabama at the time, who subsequently tried to cover it up by shamelessly using a black player. Will the team, and new potential star Tony, be able to keep together the commitment to "do something bigger than yourself?"
This movie has some seriously good talent. Jon Voight and Sean Astin deliver like the professionals they are, and -- pleasant surprise -- the rest of the cast deliver as well. Further, there was interesting use of old footage from the time period, and the contemplative well- spokenness of the black community at the time is thought-provoking. Modern Christian films are improving as a lot, but not homogeneously, so you have to watch for one failed aspect (such as cinematography, writing, acting, or direction) dragging down otherwise good elements; however, during the the film and even after post-credits contemplation I was unable to come up with any material flaw.
Personally, I found this story and the way the film tells it engrossing. Brokenness can be beautiful; truth can be touching. This country, so tragically in the midst of lies about racial animus, as well as about our individual identities, needs a fresh injection of healing truth and reality. This film is medicine for the soul, and its surprising viewpoint may inoculate viewers against those trying to divide this country along racial lines.
Touchdown, Woodlawn!
Woodlawn tells an amazing, true story of black and white people embracing change and each other as they also embrace God, while working to transform haters of all types, using a football team as the delivery mechanism.
Woodlawn High School of Birmingham, Alabama has been forced to integrate (mix white and black students), leading to anger on all sides (but for different reasons). The football team takes on some black players including Tony Nathan, an impressive runner. The lackluster team's hard-edged coach reluctantly allows a "religious nut" to speak to his team amidst the racial tension. The result? The team chooses to stand with one another in unity and love amidst the racial tension surrounding them. But in the jet-wash of this transformation come intense new attacks from all sides, within and without -- including indirectly from Governor George Wallace, a key inspiration for racism in Alabama at the time, who subsequently tried to cover it up by shamelessly using a black player. Will the team, and new potential star Tony, be able to keep together the commitment to "do something bigger than yourself?"
This movie has some seriously good talent. Jon Voight and Sean Astin deliver like the professionals they are, and -- pleasant surprise -- the rest of the cast deliver as well. Further, there was interesting use of old footage from the time period, and the contemplative well- spokenness of the black community at the time is thought-provoking. Modern Christian films are improving as a lot, but not homogeneously, so you have to watch for one failed aspect (such as cinematography, writing, acting, or direction) dragging down otherwise good elements; however, during the the film and even after post-credits contemplation I was unable to come up with any material flaw.
Personally, I found this story and the way the film tells it engrossing. Brokenness can be beautiful; truth can be touching. This country, so tragically in the midst of lies about racial animus, as well as about our individual identities, needs a fresh injection of healing truth and reality. This film is medicine for the soul, and its surprising viewpoint may inoculate viewers against those trying to divide this country along racial lines.
Touchdown, Woodlawn!
A Spiritual Experience
christophershobris16 October 2015
The most emotionally driven sports film since 42 in 2013. With a very similar idea but with more of a spiritual message. For a film with many unknown people and little known companies this is very well made. But if it was Universal I would expect a little more as this film offers a lot of talk and some action and not much character development. This will probably be one of those films that will fly over everyone's head and may not get many viewers and money. But we'll see strange things happen. But for what it is I'm glad I saw it and was worth the 6$ price and a film I'd recommend after it comes out on Redbox. Here are the grades for the film. Directing: B Acting: B+ Music: B Story: B Overall: B
Cheap American High-School Football as an excuse for Christian proselytism
strindbergman1 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I started to watch this film thinking it was going to be as good as Remember The Titans or Friday Night Lights (the TV show), or at least it was going to try, but what a disappointment.
This film uses American High-School Football as an excuse to convert you into Christianity, or to make you feel good if you are a Christian already. The guys who made this film didn't have in their minds making a good film but to make a film about Jesus and to earn some bucks to pay the bills.
But if you are a film lover with a little bit of good taste, refrain from watching this film, unless you are a die-hard football movies fan and/or you love Christian-themed flicks and don't care much about quality. But even then, it's not worth your time, there are better movies out there.
So, this movie is for people who are not very bright, or haven't seen any good film in their lives, or are too fanatic with Christianity that are too blind to see.
I know the hard work it is shooting a film, but they tried too hard to make a bad movie. The positive reviews on this film are not trustworthy.
Be smart and don't lose 2 hours of your precious time watching this cheap crap. Trust me.
This film uses American High-School Football as an excuse to convert you into Christianity, or to make you feel good if you are a Christian already. The guys who made this film didn't have in their minds making a good film but to make a film about Jesus and to earn some bucks to pay the bills.
But if you are a film lover with a little bit of good taste, refrain from watching this film, unless you are a die-hard football movies fan and/or you love Christian-themed flicks and don't care much about quality. But even then, it's not worth your time, there are better movies out there.
- Acting: Although you may find an experienced cast, such as Sean Astin and Thomas C. Howell, all of them are very badly directed by the team of brothers who are the actual filmmakers. The only one I could spare would be Jon Voigt. The characters are flat, their personalities lack any hint of human complexity... It's just good or bad, no grey area whatsoever. The main character, coach Tandy Gerelds played by Nic Bishop, is a copycat of Friday Night Lights' coach Eric Taylor (played by Kyle Chandler), but worse. Unless every high school coach behave the same.
- Cinematography: It looks like this film had a low budget. Then it looks the film crew is used to make movies with low budgets... And it shows. Some shots are "cheap", especially the ones in the football matches, where the Production team may not have all the dough to pay the extras, they probably had just one day to shoot with a large crowd, so sometimes you don't see people cheering in the background. Some shots, especially the ones after a touchdown, have these low-angle shots that are too obvious. And the shots with rain are just ridiculous.
- Music: They tried to be "epic", but they failed miserably because the chosen score is too epic for what appears on the screen. It's not a matter of not being epic the things that happened in that high school, it's about how it's filmed this feature which makes it too "cheap" for such "epic" music. Doesn't match at all.
- Screen writing: The events described are treated in a very unnatural, gauged way. Instead of filming greatness through humbleness, they do the opposite. Everything looks fake and too easy, and perhaps it wasn't that easy at all for some black people back there in Alabama in the early 70's.
- Filmmaking: The movie is way too long. Maybe if it were 90 minutes long, the filmmakers had some good taste and some experience with good filmmaking and knew how to direct the cast, the film would be a 5 or 6 out of 10.
- Subject: The theme of this film should have been how black people struggled to be accepted by white people through football achievements and with a little help of a preacher, but instead it is a vehicle to show how good Christianity is and how much good could do with your life, when there are wars, refugees, torture, lots of dead people and whatnot in the rest of the world created by the same deity. They should have left the Christian web page at the very end of the credits, not at the beginning.
So, this movie is for people who are not very bright, or haven't seen any good film in their lives, or are too fanatic with Christianity that are too blind to see.
I know the hard work it is shooting a film, but they tried too hard to make a bad movie. The positive reviews on this film are not trustworthy.
Be smart and don't lose 2 hours of your precious time watching this cheap crap. Trust me.
True story about reconciliation
timj-amazon17 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was excellent at setting the stage of what the country was dealing with in the early 70's. Some of the old footage brought back a flood of memories as kid. The quotes from the black community could have been from last week though, haunting how they felt so much like now. The despair, pain and frustration was tangible.
Then Sean Astin's character, Hank, brings hope. It seemed that every place there was strife and animosity, he was in there bringing understanding and an opportunity to forgive.
I love the fact it's a true story, hearing from the directors and producers on this at a pre-screening was really insightful. They did a ton of research to get the story from the people who were there. Tony Nathan was such a solid man, the actor did a splendid job portraying him. The footage was excellent, on the field with real players, you felt like you're in the action getting muddy. A little side note, the actor who played Tony was a real player in college from a long line of college and pros. So you see the actor doing the moves without CG or stunt doubles. I also love how the end credits provide the "rest of the story"
Then Sean Astin's character, Hank, brings hope. It seemed that every place there was strife and animosity, he was in there bringing understanding and an opportunity to forgive.
I love the fact it's a true story, hearing from the directors and producers on this at a pre-screening was really insightful. They did a ton of research to get the story from the people who were there. Tony Nathan was such a solid man, the actor did a splendid job portraying him. The footage was excellent, on the field with real players, you felt like you're in the action getting muddy. A little side note, the actor who played Tony was a real player in college from a long line of college and pros. So you see the actor doing the moves without CG or stunt doubles. I also love how the end credits provide the "rest of the story"
Faith in God and football unite black and white
Wuchakk2 February 2016
Released in 2015, "Woodlawn" is an inspirational sports film based on the true story of Tony Nathan, a running back who went on to play for the Miami Dolphins and played in two Super Bowls (XVII and XIX). The story focuses on his experiences at Woodlawn High School in 1973-1974 as Nathan and other black students desegregate the school under government mandate. Nic Bishop plays the coach, Sean Astin a motivational minister, Jon Voight Paul "Bear" Bryant, C. Thomas Howell a coach from a rival high school and Joy Brunson Tony's potential babe.
The plot and tone are very similar to 2000's "Remember the Titans." They're also both based on true stories. The main difference is that "Woodlawn" is decidedly faith-based, albeit not as overt as movies like "God is Not Dead" (2014) and "War Room" (2015). The filmmakers are just telling the true story in which Christian faith was an essential part. If you can't stomach this element I suggest staying away.
In any case, the story moves briskly and there's a lot of football action. The problem is that, like "Remember the Titans," the film doesn't focus on character development. I suppose this is so because they're both based on true events and the writers didn't want to stray from reality. Whatever the reason, it prevents the story from truly captivating the viewer, but it's worthwhile if you like inspirational sports flicks like "Remember the Titans" or movies that focus on the black experience in the South during the Civil Rights era, like 2011's "The Help."
The film runs 123 minutes and was shot in Birmingham and Hueytown, Alabama.
GRADE: B-
The plot and tone are very similar to 2000's "Remember the Titans." They're also both based on true stories. The main difference is that "Woodlawn" is decidedly faith-based, albeit not as overt as movies like "God is Not Dead" (2014) and "War Room" (2015). The filmmakers are just telling the true story in which Christian faith was an essential part. If you can't stomach this element I suggest staying away.
In any case, the story moves briskly and there's a lot of football action. The problem is that, like "Remember the Titans," the film doesn't focus on character development. I suppose this is so because they're both based on true events and the writers didn't want to stray from reality. Whatever the reason, it prevents the story from truly captivating the viewer, but it's worthwhile if you like inspirational sports flicks like "Remember the Titans" or movies that focus on the black experience in the South during the Civil Rights era, like 2011's "The Help."
The film runs 123 minutes and was shot in Birmingham and Hueytown, Alabama.
GRADE: B-
Get ready to have Christianity shoved down your throat...
scott-0805929 April 2016
They really should have warnings on movies like these. I was hoping to watch a film that illustrated our civil rights achievements, but instead I ended up turning it off after it was only half finished... And I've never ever turned a movie off until the end until now.
Sorry, but I don't need to be preached to about how some magic man in the sky and his fake son have contributed to everything good in the world... The reality is that MANY terrible atrocities have been committed under the guidance of religion and relatively few people use religion for the greater good.
I'm sure this could've been a great film if it were to have been made without the dominating religious theme, but for the director I'm sure that was 100% of the reason they made the film.
Sorry, but I don't need to be preached to about how some magic man in the sky and his fake son have contributed to everything good in the world... The reality is that MANY terrible atrocities have been committed under the guidance of religion and relatively few people use religion for the greater good.
I'm sure this could've been a great film if it were to have been made without the dominating religious theme, but for the director I'm sure that was 100% of the reason they made the film.
I wept and cheered through it all!
jadasgigi28 October 2015
This movie was like stepping back in time. My husband and I grew up in Alabama during this time frame and experienced pretty much everything in the film; segregation, desegregation, race wars and the Jesus Revolution. These events are not exaggerated! They actually happened not only at Woodlawn but in cities all over America. They happened in the schools and churches in our town...this is truth and we personally have never recovered from that time period...when God showed up. Must see story! Billy Graham came to our little town...David Wilkerson came too...This film accurately and poignantly portrays a vivid spiritual awakening that we could certainly use a heavy dose of right now in this country.
I'm A Sucker For A Sports Movie....but
damianphelps2 February 2021
Is it possible to make a sports movie about unification or redemption without religion???
As much as I love this kind of movie, many of them, including this one, do feel very much like a recruitment to the cause film. When a movie rams religion in as this one does it really diminishes the overall story.
Now I'm sure millions of religious people will disagree and fair enough but this is my opinion :)
Otherwise highly enjoyable.
As much as I love this kind of movie, many of them, including this one, do feel very much like a recruitment to the cause film. When a movie rams religion in as this one does it really diminishes the overall story.
Now I'm sure millions of religious people will disagree and fair enough but this is my opinion :)
Otherwise highly enjoyable.
This is a Christian propaganda movie...you should at least know that
ph-buron7 January 2016
I love sport movies and therefore i was looking forward to that movie, that i didn't hear anything about. Well, i don't wanna summarize too much, i just wanted to tell you, that you get the message pretty soon: Believe in Jesus and you can achieve anything. Well...nice to know, but do i need to get that message in every minute of that movie? What the fu** is the "jesusrevolution" that gets the fattest credit I've ever seen? Do i really need i character that says:"this city is a wonder, so much, i want to get baptized". I mean really? That direct in your face? For me this is bad writing.
However, i'm Christian myself, but i really do hate that assimilation thing some religions do.
The movie gets one point for the main character, one for some nice sport sequences (although they in fact repeat themselves over and over again) and a third point for being a sport movie.
Anyone not living in the bible belt or having a radical Christian attitude should be warned, it is really a pathetic piece of propaganda.
However, i'm Christian myself, but i really do hate that assimilation thing some religions do.
The movie gets one point for the main character, one for some nice sport sequences (although they in fact repeat themselves over and over again) and a third point for being a sport movie.
Anyone not living in the bible belt or having a radical Christian attitude should be warned, it is really a pathetic piece of propaganda.
Good, but
caitlindsilva3 November 2018
Speed Review
griffolyon128 November 2015
Woodlawn is easily the best faith-based film I've ever seen (one not based on a bible story, that is). The film details the true story of the Woodlawn High School football team in 1973 Birmingham, Alabama, the year the school integrated, and how this team helped bring the whole school together by all of the players accepting Christ. This is a story that could have easily been ham-fisted, but the Erwin Brothers (the directors of the film) manage to keep the film from ever being too sappy or preachy. All of the preaching of the film comes naturally from the characters and who they are, which is a problem with most faith-based films. Characters will often transform into philosophical sages when the filmmakers feel it is time to preach, and I think that just comes across as cheesy and not authentic to non-believers and some believers. Luckily, Woodlawn avoids that pitfall in its script, which could have been a little stronger in some areas (in particular in character depth and their motivations), but unlike most faith-based films, the good outweighs the bad here. Featuring some truly moving moments and a slew of well-realized football sequences, Woodlawn is a faith- based film I actually want to recommend.
I give Woodlawn an 8 out of 10!
I give Woodlawn an 8 out of 10!
Sentimental viewing for a Birmingham native
katherineelmore18 November 2018
Tony Nathan, Bear Bryant, George Wallace, Eli Gold (as himself), and Legion Field... it's a great walk down memory lane for Birminghamsters. The early 1970's Birmingham high school football rivalries, with the backdrop of desegregation, is the setting. A Christian preacher shows up in the midst of violence and turmoil to bring the diverse team together through Jesus (the movie is set in the early 70's before Christianity became political). The film culminates with the Banks v. Woodlawn state championship game at Legion Field, including archival footage from the game called by voiceover from Eli Gold. Jon Voight is excellent as The Bear. Yes, the film is shot through rose colored glasses, but sometimes we need a little inspiration. My only gripe is that the film casts a pro separation of church and state "villain" as being from Montgomery, which is patently absurd. Overall, fun movie for folks from Birmingham, Tide fans, and those old enough to remember the Alabama v. Penn State Sugar Bowl.
Heavy on the preaching, light on the sports history
the-angry-cubist14 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
If I wanted a sermon, I would go to church. This movie is light on sports, action, race relations, and the Tony Nathan story and heavy on the Jesus. As usual with preachy films, it is 45 minutes too long. And, as with "American Christianity", it has to ram Jesus down your gullet and never lets up and if you don't like the ramming, they scream persecution. Some mysterious goofball gets 5 minutes to preach to the kids and goes on for over an hour, just like the typical evangelical. Most of the kids convert, probably to shut him up. Then Jesus spreads like mold and everyone lives happy ever after. Save yourself 2 excruciating hours and clean your house instead. At least you will have accomplished something.
Faith and football co-exist. See what happens when God shows up!!
michaelRokeefe19 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
WOODLAWN is a fact and faith based drama directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin. Jon helps co-write this narrative of a struggling high school coach Tandy Gerelds(Nic Nishop)as he tries with all his resources to bring a newly integrated football team together. Birmingham, Alabama in the early 1970's is suffering racial tension and strife weighing heavily on a football team yearning for a championship and a school just trying not to be dismantled for good.
Coach Gerelds is asked by a motivating sports chaplain Hank(Sean Astin)for permission to talk to the entire team with a radical idea; a ten minute talk became a two hour session that had the majority of the team give themselves over to the word of Christ. Challenges are being met and racial tensions on the team tone down with the team actually becoming winners. One player in particular, running back Tony Nathan(Caleb Castille), becomes confident that God has a special plan for him. The team becomes explosive with Nathan's playing exploits which are noticed by Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant(Jon Voight).
Christianity will play a major role in this story as the team begins to succeed and racial barriers are broken down; that in turn helps Gereld's struggle with the secular school board. Tony's star will shine brighter and brighter. To be exact, Nathan ended up playing for Coach Bryant at Alabama.
Real nice hard hitting football action along with a decent soundtrack featuring "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan and "Jesus Is Just Alright" by the Doobie Brothers.
Also in the cast: C. Thomas Howell, Richard Kohnke, Blake Burgess, Kelly Grayson, Harry Alexander, Joy Brunson and Stephen Chester Prince.
NOTE: Tony Nathan would go from playing four years for the Tide to the NFL Miami Dolphins from 1979 to 1987. He would establish himself an allusive running back and pass receiver.
Coach Gerelds is asked by a motivating sports chaplain Hank(Sean Astin)for permission to talk to the entire team with a radical idea; a ten minute talk became a two hour session that had the majority of the team give themselves over to the word of Christ. Challenges are being met and racial tensions on the team tone down with the team actually becoming winners. One player in particular, running back Tony Nathan(Caleb Castille), becomes confident that God has a special plan for him. The team becomes explosive with Nathan's playing exploits which are noticed by Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant(Jon Voight).
Christianity will play a major role in this story as the team begins to succeed and racial barriers are broken down; that in turn helps Gereld's struggle with the secular school board. Tony's star will shine brighter and brighter. To be exact, Nathan ended up playing for Coach Bryant at Alabama.
Real nice hard hitting football action along with a decent soundtrack featuring "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan and "Jesus Is Just Alright" by the Doobie Brothers.
Also in the cast: C. Thomas Howell, Richard Kohnke, Blake Burgess, Kelly Grayson, Harry Alexander, Joy Brunson and Stephen Chester Prince.
NOTE: Tony Nathan would go from playing four years for the Tide to the NFL Miami Dolphins from 1979 to 1987. He would establish himself an allusive running back and pass receiver.
Solid, not great
lande-6711929 October 2020
This movie did what gods not dead tried, but only marginally better. The writing was stilted and awkward, the acting can't really be blamed, as it's working with a less than stellar script, but the overall story and the backdrop of Deep South perseverance on the football field carries this movie through to a 6, but no higher. Overall, worth a watch if you're in a mood for remember the Titans but you've already seen remember the titans.
Cheese, cheese and more cheese
Vorlargen12 September 2018
A film with purpose, conviction, and hope. Definitely worth the trip to the theater!
chriscasoni-38-38261216 October 2015
As our country continues to see the lines of racial divide grow farther and farther apart this film is a breath of fresh air. With a well written screenplay and excellent acting Woodlawn lifts the spirit of its audience to embrace the truth that peace can be found for everyone through faith in the one true source of hope and love. We need more films like this to help shape our culture for the betterment of society.
Take your family, take your friends, take your sports teams, and see this film. If we can emulate the change that took place in this town Alabama then maybe we can make a difference in our nation that has eternal weight.
Take your family, take your friends, take your sports teams, and see this film. If we can emulate the change that took place in this town Alabama then maybe we can make a difference in our nation that has eternal weight.
A film like a cat: You either love it, or hate it.
EyeDunno29 January 2016
Some may debate whether I'm spoiling Woodlawn with this review, but spoilers reveal plot twists, and this contains none of it. I can see why Woodlawn has garnered only a 6.3/10 for such an emotionally powerful film. Sean Astin plays the man who brings a sense of religion into the team, and it can rub a good number of people the wrong way. I'm not at all religious, but spiritual, and it's very personal for me. As the film developed the story, I resisted the urge to shut down, because I don't want to simply give up, but Woodlawn can make people feel really uncomfortable, because of the religion being played in moments throughout the film. I found myself almost rolling my eyes between tears. If this is what truly happened at Woodlawn HS, terrific. But I also get a feeling that the film was produced to react to the ongoing debate over how personal religion may bleed into someone else's comfort zone. Throughout Woodlawn, this fact kept in my consciousness, which was a little discomforting, and at the end of the film it tells viewers about upcoming rallies for Jesus.
I'm telling you this because it's not spoiling Woodlawn, but revealing for those who either love Jesus and God, or for those who don't want to feel preached to, to consider watching something else. I was puzzled the way the film started because I had no idea about the religious back story embedded in Woodlawn. A coach on the west coast recently was called to task about similar actions, to that of the team coach in this movie. SCOTUS has been reviewing cases even now, and religion has become a hot button topic in the elections. Whatever you feel is your choice, but I don't care to let my guard down just so that I can feel somewhat emotionally and spiritually exploited, as I did by the time the credits rolled.
It still is a powerful film, but the message of team and personal sacrifice and achievement was underscored by the recurring message of a higher power. I understand that the Jesus movement helped many during an era of national turmoil. As people spoke about what happened in the 1960s and early '70s, footage of actual interviews were shown, and the messages ring true in today's unrest. That message has told me that, even after decades have passed, maybe technology and music can change, but people tend to react now as they have decades and even centuries ago.
The acting itself was top-notch. The story begins with some really heart wrenching accounts, and the characters piked up the ball, so to speak, and scored. All characters felt believable, the music and editing were fine, and I liked the cinematography, which was nice but not amazing. But one character - a student with a very large afro - didn't seem to make a final confrontation like I had expected he would.
If it weren't for the heavier-than-expected religious insertions, I would have enjoyed it more.
I'm telling you this because it's not spoiling Woodlawn, but revealing for those who either love Jesus and God, or for those who don't want to feel preached to, to consider watching something else. I was puzzled the way the film started because I had no idea about the religious back story embedded in Woodlawn. A coach on the west coast recently was called to task about similar actions, to that of the team coach in this movie. SCOTUS has been reviewing cases even now, and religion has become a hot button topic in the elections. Whatever you feel is your choice, but I don't care to let my guard down just so that I can feel somewhat emotionally and spiritually exploited, as I did by the time the credits rolled.
It still is a powerful film, but the message of team and personal sacrifice and achievement was underscored by the recurring message of a higher power. I understand that the Jesus movement helped many during an era of national turmoil. As people spoke about what happened in the 1960s and early '70s, footage of actual interviews were shown, and the messages ring true in today's unrest. That message has told me that, even after decades have passed, maybe technology and music can change, but people tend to react now as they have decades and even centuries ago.
The acting itself was top-notch. The story begins with some really heart wrenching accounts, and the characters piked up the ball, so to speak, and scored. All characters felt believable, the music and editing were fine, and I liked the cinematography, which was nice but not amazing. But one character - a student with a very large afro - didn't seem to make a final confrontation like I had expected he would.
If it weren't for the heavier-than-expected religious insertions, I would have enjoyed it more.
Why does this have such great reviews?
superdan046 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Where do i start?... i've never been this disappointed to a movie before. I expected greatness and have waited a long time to see it, but the plot and simple the whole movie is garbage.
I didn't feel the people in this movie,simple there was to much 'Jesus and oh lord' and to little football, which i wanted to see.
This movie could've been on the same level as remember the titans, but it all fell hard to the ground.. sad!
I stopped the movie with around 45 minutes left, because i really couldn't watch it anymore..
I hope those religious people out there might enjoy it tho, but for my taste, there was to much praying..
I didn't feel the people in this movie,simple there was to much 'Jesus and oh lord' and to little football, which i wanted to see.
This movie could've been on the same level as remember the titans, but it all fell hard to the ground.. sad!
I stopped the movie with around 45 minutes left, because i really couldn't watch it anymore..
I hope those religious people out there might enjoy it tho, but for my taste, there was to much praying..
Touchdown Tony - great story
Molongirl20 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
As an Australian I have never been drawn to the padded shoulders, grunt and bash that grid iron seems to be. However I finally got past my sports bias and watched because of the black/white and Christian story lines. Surprised myself by totally enjoying it. What a sportsman Touchdown Tony proved to be and how moving the conversion and cohesion of the Woodlawn team. Will be recommending this one to my friends. Good movie
Woodlawn Rocks!
SheepDog4222 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Based on a true story. Set in the 1970's during the most controversial times concerning racial discrimination in Alabama. A school sits on the brink of being closed down for the racial violence that erupts every day and then the integration of black football players on an all white team stirs tensions to a breaking point. When hatred ruled and division ran rampant love stepped in and not only changed the team, but united an entire community. It is rare that a Christian movie contains the script and the superior acting that Woodlawn holds. I was impressed and inspired. A mirror reflection into our current times and how God can change the hearts of an angry and hate controlled people. If you want to be inspired and encouraged, go see Woodlawn.
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