When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
Synopsis:
Coach Bob Ladouceur takes on the challenge of transforming a struggling high school football program into a powerhouse, ultimately leading his team to an unprecedented 12 consecutive undefeated seasons. As the De La Salle Spartans build their legendary winning streak, Ladouceur works alongside assistant coach Terry Eidson to instill values of teamwork, discipline, and character in his players, including standout athletes Cam Colvin, T.K. Kelly, and Tayshon Lanear. The coach balances his demanding commitment to the team with his family life, supported by his wife Bev and son Danny. When the pressure of maintaining perfection mounts and unexpected challenges test the team's resolve, Ladouceur must help his players understand that true success extends beyond the scoreboard. This inspiring story explores how dedication, leadership, and unity can overcome adversity both on and off the field.
Where To Watch: When the Game Stands Tall
Parental Feedback
When the Game Stands Tall (2014) carries a steady, inspirational tone that balances emotional depth with uplifting sports drama. Parents should expect a film that explores themes of perseverance, faith, and overcoming adversity through the lens of high school football, with moments of intensity surrounding personal tragedy and the pressure of maintaining excellence. The pacing is deliberate and reflective, focusing more on character development and life lessons than constant action, creating an atmosphere that encourages thoughtful discussion about values, leadership, and handling both success and failure with grace.
Why Kids Should Watch When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
When the Game Stands Tall (2014) offers several valuable lessons for young viewers interested in sports and personal growth.
The story showcases exceptional teamwork and dedication through the lens of a high school football program that achieved an unprecedented 12 consecutive undefeated seasons. This demonstrates how consistent effort, discipline, and working together toward a common goal can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Coach Bob Ladouceur's leadership style emphasizes character development over winning, teaching players that personal integrity and supporting one another matters more than trophies. This message helps young viewers understand that true success is measured by the kind of person you become, not just your accomplishments.
The film addresses real-life challenges including handling pressure, dealing with setbacks, and finding purpose beyond personal glory. These themes provide opportunities for kids to see how resilience and faith can help navigate difficult circumstances.
Strong performances from the cast, including Jim Caviezel as Coach Ladouceur and the young actors portraying the team members, bring authenticity to the story. The relationships between coaches, players, and families demonstrate healthy mentorship and support systems.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
Parents should consider several factors before allowing younger children to view this film.
The story includes emotionally intense moments involving personal tragedy and loss that may be difficult for sensitive or younger viewers to process. These scenes require maturity to understand and may prompt difficult questions about mortality and grief.
The pressure and expectations placed on the young athletes depicted in the story could feel overwhelming to some children. Viewers might struggle with themes about maintaining perfection and living up to high standards, which could create anxiety rather than inspiration.
While rated PG, the film deals with mature themes about faith, purpose, and identity that may be more appropriate for older children and teens who can grasp these complex concepts. Younger viewers might find the slower, dialogue-heavy pacing less engaging than action-oriented sports films.
Verdict: Parent Approved
When the Game Stands Tall (2014) is parent approved for families with older children and teens who can appreciate its thoughtful exploration of character, leadership, and perseverance through the inspiring true story of an exceptional high school football program.
What Parents Should Know About When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the film strongly models teamwork, dedication, humility, and putting others before personal glory through Coach Ladouceur's leadership and the players' commitment to each other. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the film includes scenes dealing with personal tragedy and loss that may be emotionally intense for younger or sensitive viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters face consequences for selfish attitudes and learn that individual glory must be balanced with team responsibility and personal character. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, teamwork is central to the story, and characters learn to support one another, put the group's needs first, and work through conflicts together. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the film delivers clear messages about character being more important than winning, the value of perseverance through adversity, and finding purpose beyond personal achievement. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate When the Game Stands Tall (2014) for its positive messages about character, faith, and teamwork, finding it suitable for family viewing with older children and teenagers. Many value the film's emphasis on life lessons over simply celebrating athletic achievement, noting that it provides excellent conversation starters about handling pressure, dealing with loss, and maintaining integrity. Some parents caution that younger children may find certain emotional scenes intense or the pacing slow, recommending it primarily for middle school age and up. The PG rating is considered appropriate, though parents of sensitive children suggest previewing first due to themes involving tragedy and the weight of expectations placed on young athletes.
Official When the Game Stands Tall Trailer
Why Kids Love When the Game Stands Tall
Kids love watching the De La Salle Spartans charge onto the field in their green and gold uniforms, ready to face down rival teams in intense Friday night showdowns. The bone-crunching tackles and lightning-fast plays keep viewers on the edge of their seats as players like Cam Colvin and T.K. Kelly sprint down the field, dodging defenders and racing toward the end zone.
The locker room scenes crackle with energy as Coach Bob Ladouceur fires up his team before big games, and the sideline eruptions when the Spartans score are pure excitement. Terry Eidson paces the sidelines shouting plays while the crowd roars, creating an electric atmosphere that makes every game feel like a championship battle.
Young viewers get pumped watching the team execute perfectly timed trick plays and dramatic goal-line stands where every inch matters. The fast-paced game sequences show players like Tayshon Lanear making spectacular catches and Danny Ladouceur diving for crucial tackles, with helmets clashing and cleats churning up turf in slow-motion glory shots that capture the raw power of high school football.