Gridiron Gang (DVD, 2007, Full Frame)

As I stated in my review of WWE Films "See No Evil"., w/WWE Superstar Kane as the psychopathic killer., I again stress that WWE athletes have proven repeatedly that they can make powerful acting performances., given that WWE wrestling is scripted acting as well. These undiscovered talents finally took notice when "The Rock", (Dwayne Johnson), broke through Hollywood's closed gates., and transitioned from Sports-Entertainer to Actor., and delivered big. With hits like "The Mummy 2", "Scorpion King", "Rundown", "Walking Tall" & "Be Cool"., he showed the diverse talents that lie within., and paved the way for other WWE Superstars and Vince McMahon to create WWE Films Co., where he is also each stars film-agent. - Once again., the man who paved the way., is back in this gritty hard-hitting TRUE STORY, "The Gridiron Gang". - A compelling narrative about a juvenile detention centers worst offenders., who re-discover themselves, and "HOPE" within., in football. The Rock,(Dwayne Johnson), delivers hard in virtually every scene. The film's moments of honest grit and pathos are enraptured in perfect cinematic score, calculated for maximum emotional uplift. - Gridiron Gang opens with a sobering statistic: 75% of all juvenile inmates either return to prison or die violently on the streets. Juvenile Detention Probation Officer, Sean Porter, (The Rock), confronts this grim reality everyday at Camp Kilpatrick, outside Los Angeles. With his fellow counselor, Malcolm Moore (Xzibit), he tries to help the gang members, car thieves, and drug dealers turn their lives around, but success mostly eludes him. Until he decides upon the ultimate risk; to turn these wards of the county into a football team. Given the reluctant go-ahead by the camp's director (Leon Rippy), Sean and Malcolm tackle head-on, the lost spirits of these youth., driving hard to instill the values of teamwork and discipline in the newly formed Kilpatrick Mustangs — a task complicated by the fact that players Willie,(Jade Yorker), and Calvin, (David Thomas), come from rival South Central Gangs. As others, like the hulking Samoan, Junior (Setu Taase), violently resist authority, others like Kenny (Trever O'Brien) seem too psychologically scarred to achieve their potential. - Refusing to fail these young men at their last chances., and battling numerous setbacks, festering wild tensions, and family tragedies, the players begin to beat the odds as they finally become a real team., and REAL MEN. - Gridiron Gang is a lesson, with direction-based dialogue both on and off the field. It's cinematography depicts the scenes with sufficient tension and visual ingenuity. - The Rock has grown into a surprisingly great actor with a natural charisma., even convincingly showing a few tears in a pivotal scene with Yorker, who portrays the most volatile and troubled of the Mustangs. - Gridiron Gang does end on an additional powerful note. As the final credits roll, we see footage of the actual Porter and the real Kilpatrick Mustangs from 1993. These brief clips have an emotional heft that only adds to the uplifting momentum we carry at it's closing. - This is not just a film. It's a lesson in finding the good in everyman., even when they seem lost. AN ABSOLUTE MUST SEE !!

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This is a very inspiring movie. Sean Porter (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson") is a probation officer that helps runs a detention Center full of juveniles with a history of crimes like gangs, murders, and much more and he wants to make a difference in there lives by making them better people by giving them something to care about, and to try and keep them from going to prison once there adults or even worse end up dead, and with the help of his co-worker Malcolm Moore (Xzibit) they start up a football team for the boys in the detention center which teaches them alot, and most important discipline.
He test these boys to the fullest, and they learn to become fine young men. This movie is based on a true story, and it is truly a great movie and it is nice to know that there is someone out there that cares about our kids today. This is a really great movie that I give a 5 out of a 5 rating. I believe it is worth owning not just renting. I believe that all kids today should watch this movie.

I am a former Juvenile Officer and worked in a detention facility. While it had several differences, this movie showed a lot of the emotions and troubles that youth offenders go through while detained. Roughly based on a true story, giving the kids an activity that showed them leadership, teamwork, and other useful and important life skills the movie was great. I've shown this to kids in my facility and all have responded well, there were great opportunities to discuss several of the characters problems, histories, and other issues, some kids were able to relate, others just liked the football aspect.

I like the story line of kids saved from the dead ends of gang banging and crime by a well-intended football coach.A nice albeit unrealistic view of how to help struggling inner-city youth.

Highs- A good story of Hard Work and its rewards for kids and young adults.

Lows-Another FAILED attempt by low-brow wrestler "The Rock" at Acting.

Gridiron Gang

If you love true-story football movies or if you love "The Rock" this movie is for you. It's got great acting, great football sequences, and packs a powerful message.

Some sports movies are great, others fall short, Gridiron Gang catches the opening kick off and runs 92 yards for the touchdown.

Gridiron Gang has a great cast that plays the movie to perfection. If you're not inspired after watching this film, you aren't inspireable.

Final Verdict:

5/5

Rent or buy?: A must buy for any football fan, or any fan of movies in general.

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