Woodlawn
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October 1, 2015
Woodlawn
Starring Sean Astin, Jon Voight, Caleb Castille
In theaters Oct. 16
Run Time: 123 min
Rated PG
Official websiteI have some pretty high standards when it comes to films that I wholeheartedly recommend, and I’m especially tough on faith-based films.
If Christians are going to evangelize through movies, we must tell the best stories, have the best talent behind and in front of the camera, and have the highest quality production. There are only a few sports films that make the cut in the faith or inspirational category — and Sean Astin (Rudy) just happens to be in two of them.
Woodlawn, releasing later this month, should rank as the best sports faith film of all time — and prove to be one of the best sports films ever to hit the silver screen. It tells the true story of Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille), a superbly talented running back playing in 1973 for the newly desegregated Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Ala. Nathan went on to play for Bear Bryant (played by Jon Voight in Woodlawn) at the University of Alabama and later the Miami Dolphins.
As racial tensions simmer, the Woodlawn Colonels’ football coach Tandy Gerelds (Nicholas Bishop) struggles to hold his team together. It’s only when he allows Hank (Astin), a self-styled evangelist, to speak to players that real change begins. Nearly the entire team, black and white, gives their lives to Christ. A ripple effect challenges the team, school, community, and opposing teams.
The film culminates in high school football history. An estimated 42,000 fans turned out to watch the Banks Jets play Woodlawn at Legion Field in Birmingham on Nov. 8, 1974. The film features some real footage of the historic game.
Woodlawn is marked by phenomenal football sequences, top-notch production, superb acting — especially from newcomer Castille — and a gripping story. More importantly, it demonstrates that a commitment to Christ is a transforming experience — for individuals, families, and entire communities. This is a must-see movie for football fans, but most especially for men craving a deeper relationship with God.
PATRICK NOVECOSKY is Legatus magazine’s editor-in-chief.
