Entertainment : In Depth: 'When the Game Stands Tall'

“When the Game Stands Tall” comes to the Palace appropriately during the height of football season, running Friday, October 3 through Thursday, Oct 9 at 7 pm, and Monday, October 6 at 2 pm.

This Christian-influenced sports film stars Jim Caviezel (well -rehearsed for this role by portraying Jesus in “The Passion of Christ”) as Bob Ladouceur, the real life, soft-spoken coach, notorious for leading his Catholic high school football team to more than 150 straight wins, over a span of more than ten years. Coach Lad (also a theology teacher) gives locker room and huddle pep talks that are more sermon than the usual bluster associated with coaching.

The team’s faith is challenged when their winning streak is broken, and Coach Lad must teach not only his players but the entire town how to brush themselves off and rise again.

Rated PG for football violence and some smoking, this inspirational movie runs just under two hours, a must-see for the whole family. I find it interesting, but not surprising, that professional critics have panned this film, but regular movie-goers love it.

We’ve already sold tickets for several shows, so you may want to purchase in advance, or arrive when the doors open, one hour before the show.

You’ll need your mufflers and mittens at the local HS football game this week, but it’ll be nice and toasty at the Palace!