Movies

For an L.A. native, disgusted with what has happened to a very influential and potentially great city, knowing that there are attempts to show alternate ways of life to the gang-riddled youth is in itself hopeful. The film may seem formula-like, however it presents a true story in the trappings of such formula without the often seriously candy-coated drippings of maudlin ways. There are good performances here, and including but not limited to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who comes close to but never totally dominates what is an ensemble of future stars. This is not only a youths-gone-bad movie and sports as panacea film but a look at how, on occasion, the right intentions can override the wrong pursuits.

Gridiron Gang is based on a true story about a juvi detention center that starts a football program to help troubled kids. There's really nothing new here, idle hands are the devil's work. Kids in trouble simply don't have anything to focus on. The story is about an administrator that takes a chance on a coach who almost wrecks the program, but pulls it out with the help of the kids. This is one of those quintessential feel good films about overcoming the odds and succeeding. Some good acting and good directing with the help if some way too tight camera shots help make the film look more realistic. A class A film to make you fell good about the system.

I mean this film outshines Invincible,which is of course is another true story. This film proves to be gritty and real as it gets. Dwayne(The Rock)Johnson gives a terrific performance, he proves to be an awesome actor, and not just an action film star. The film takes place at a juvenile detention center run by Sean Porter(Dwayne Johnson) who feels he is not making a difference with the young hoodlums who come in and out. In hopes to keep them in line, he makes them into a football team, so that most of these young hoodlums that hate each other, will become a team and stand together as one. At times this is not an easy movie to watch, but it is reality, you fell the frustration of these young men. The young cast do well also. I shore hope Dwayne Johnson will get nominated for an Oscar.