***WHO are you? (And I don’t mean your occupation or marital status)*** A basketball coach at a Georgia Christian school (Alex Kendrick) is devastated when the local factory shuts down and the school loses half its students, along with a decrease in pay for him and his wife, who also works at the school (Shari Rigby). The principal appoints him to coach the cross-country running team, which consists of ONE girl with asthma (Aryn Wright-Thompson) who lives with her grandmother. “Overcomer” (2019) is a Christian-themed drama from the maker of “War Room” (2015), one of the most inspiring films ever made and a surprise hit at the box office, which ain’t bad for an indie that only cost $3 million. This one cost $2 million more, but isn’t nearly as potent. Yet it’s still a solid drama with some poignant Christian-themed points that smack of real life. I could relate to several of the points, e.g. feeling like your life was a mistake and the negative fallout of an absent or distant father. Some other themes are effectively driven home, like: the importance of the relationship of husband & wife to the health of a home; it’s never too late for redemption; the power of the repentance/forgiveness dynamic; and how easy it is to fall into the pretense of Christian religion, i.e. spiritual hypocrisy. Anyone who sincerely tries to walk with the LORD will relate to these kinds of elements. Meanwhile some non-Christians will likely scoff and find these aspects fake (they couldn’t be more wrong). Sure, some of the acting of peripherals might not be of blockbuster caliber, but that’s par for the course in these kinds of indie flicks. But the performances of the main adult players are fine. Speaking of which, Cameron Arnett is outstanding as the blind hospital patient and mentor on long-distance running. Was the coach’s chance meeting with him an eye-rolling coincidence or a divinely-orchestrated encounter? The film runs 1 hour, 59 minutes, and was shot in Columbus & Albany, Georgia, with shots of Nashville. GRADE: B
**Overcomes the "cheesy Christian film" barrier** Very few films these days are as special as this one. Kendrick gives Christians a story that is almost sure to bring tears of joy. The quality of Kendrick's films has improved steadily. Looking forward to more - especially those with creative scripts like this one.
What happens in fairy tales after the wedding of the prince and princess? Figure skater Nadia and hockey player Sasha got married and more than anything else they dream of a child. True, the price they will have to pay for this dream will be unimaginably high. After such upheavals, it seems impossible to count on a happy ending. But if you think so, you do not know anything about real tales...
The movie depicts the story of goalkeepers Lovisa and Elin which are fighting for the last place in the starting line-up on the U23 Swedish football national team. Since Mette, the new national team’s goalkeeping trainer, has headhunted the girls, they are both fighting to be the best in the country and earn their spot. They are spending more and more time on the field together with Mette which gives both Elin and Lovisa a whole new understanding of their sport. With Mette’s coaching they of course become better and better, but at what price?
In 25 AD, Judah Ben-Hur, a Jew in ancient Judea, opposes the occupying Roman empire. Falsely accused by a Roman childhood friend-turned-overlord of trying to kill the Roman governor, he is put into slavery and his mother and sister are taken away as prisoners.
Despondent over a painful estrangement from his daughter, trainer Frankie Dunn isn't prepared for boxer Maggie Fitzgerald to enter his life. But Maggie's determined to go pro and to convince Dunn and his cohort to help her.
Chris, a former tennis player, looks for work as an instructor. He meets Tom Hewett, a wealthy young man whose sister Chloe falls in love with Chris. But Chris has his eye on Tom's fiancee Nola.
An expansive Russian drama, this film focuses on the life of revered religious icon painter Andrei Rublev. Drifting from place to place in a tumultuous era, the peace-seeking monk eventually gains a reputation for his art. But after Rublev witnesses a brutal battle and unintentionally becomes involved, he takes a vow of silence and spends time away from his work. As he begins to ease his troubled soul, he takes steps towards becoming a painter once again.
The true story of boxer Jim Braddock who, following his retirement in the 1930s, makes a surprise comeback in order to lift his family out of poverty.
Fast Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats to a high-stakes match.
An uneducated collector for a Philadelphia loan shark is given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight against the world heavyweight boxing champion.
After Rocky goes the distance with champ Apollo Creed, both try to put the fight behind them and move on. Rocky settles down with Adrian but can't put his life together outside the ring, while Creed seeks a rematch to restore his reputation. Soon enough, the "Master of Disaster" and the "Italian Stallion" are set on a collision course for a climactic battle that is brutal and unforgettable.