Run the Race movie review

MOVIE TITLE: RUN THE RACE

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 101 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B- (I always feel so bad grading Christian movies poorly because I want them to do well!)

IN A NUTSHELL:

This faith-based football drama (produced by NFL Superstar Tim Tebow) takes a look at the importance of family and faith in the midst of challenges. The metaphor of running a race is compared to the spiritual challenge of earning faith, especially during obstacles in life.

I’m always hopeful that Christian movies will do well at the box office. Unfortunately, this one probably won’t. There wasn’t much advertising for it, so it’ll mostly have to rely on word-of-mouth. It’s not a true story, which would have given it more impact. It tries to address complicated issues but preaches only at a surface level. Yes, the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, but this saccharine sermon probably won’t convince the unbeliever.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Underage drinking, an adult alcoholic
No profanity.
A teen has several seizures on the ground.

THEMES:

We’re all a work in progress.
Forgiveness
Two characters share a favorite scripture: Galatians 2:20 (I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.)
Family
Brotherhood
Faith, Trusting God
“God loves you. He loves you like crazy.” – Zach (Tanner Stine)

THINGS I LIKED:

Tanner Stine does a good job as Zach. Evan Hofer plays his brother Dave. The two handsome teens have a sweet relationship and it’s fun to watch their banter and love for each other.
I liked the rap cheer Coach Hailey did for the team to get them riled up for their game in the locker room. The devoted coach is played by Mykelti Williamson. How wonderful to have a role model who really supports teens, even in their personal life. I have four sons who all played sports and felt very lucky to have one of my son’s coaches be a man like Coach Hailey.
That first game scene really showed the fun and excitement of an American high school football game. I was a dancer on the “drill team” in high school and I remember those fun performances and game nights very fondly.
I was surprised to see Zach watching The Beverly Hillbillies: The Official First Season on TV. I didn’t even know that was still on TV! I used to watch that when I was a little girl.
I liked Frances Fisher’s character who was fiercely loyal to the two brothers and provided them with financial opportunities, spiritual support, and affection. We should all be that kind of Christian, right?

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The timing of the release of this film seemed unfortunate. Football season is over. Any time between September through January would have been better, right?
I thought all of Zach’s questions at Christianity were REALLY good. Unfortunately, they weren’t answered in the movie. It made me sad that he was judged for simply having questions.
I’ve never seen so many montages in my life.
Zach’s conversion process was quickly brushed over. It would have been nice to spend more time on that. That would have been the meat of the movie and something that could have provided depth. For many people, it takes a lifetime to build faith.
Another change that was only lightly addressed was the father/son relationship.
Isn’t it illegal for two teenage boys to live alone in a house without adult supervision? How did they pay for rent and food and gas? Sure, they had a night job, but that would never have been enough.

INTERESTING LINES:

“Two steps forward and one step back.” – Paster Baker (Mario Van Peebles)

“As long as we keep moving.” – Louise/Nanny (Frances Fisher)

“I’m not saying his behavior is excusable, but it is forgivable.” – Louise/Nanny
“What kind of a man walks out on his two sons when his wife dies of cancer?” – Zach

“A broken one.” – Dave