I had a great opportunity to see this movie in preview form two weeks ago and was extremely impressed with what I saw! I was able to interact with one of the producers and hear his heart about this movie. According to the Woodlawn Movie page, here is the synopsis of the movie:
A gifted high school football player must learn to boldly embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field in WOODLAWN, a moving and inspirational new film based on the true story of how love and unity overcame hate and division in early 1970s Birmingham, Ala.Tony Nathan (newcomer Caleb Castille) lands in a powder keg of anger and violence when he joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School after its government-mandated desegregation in 1973. The Woodlawn Colonels football team is a microcosm of the problems at the school and in the city, which erupts in cross burnings and riots, and Coach Tandy Geralds (Nic Bishop) is at a loss to solve these unprecedented challenges with his disciplinarian ways.It’s only when Hank (Sean Astin), an outsider who has been radically affected by the message of hope and love he experienced at a Christian revival meeting, convinces Coach Geralds to let him speak to the team that something truly remarkable begins to happen. More than 40 players, nearly the entire team, black and white, give their lives over to the “better way” Hank tells them is possible through following Jesus, and the change is so profound in them it affects their coach, their school and their community in ways no one could have imagined.
I loved this movie not only because is was overtly faith based and enjoyable at the same time, but because is was a true story. I don't necessarily remember the Penn State/Alabama game that is shown toward the end of the movie, but I probably watched it along with my family. And, knowing it was a true story is so impressive to me because it can't be disputed. As much as I appreciate the Fireproofs, War Room, Do You Believe, God's Not Dead, etc. movies, they are/were fiction. Woodlawn is based on facts that actually happened. It can be verified.
So, when you see people praying or when people's lives change in this movie, it isn't something could happen, it is something that DID happen. I love that we can see how faith in God can be seen as positive.
Please consider taking someone to this movie when it comes out on the weekend of October 16. You will see accomplished actors and a well written script with this movie. I think you will be both entertained and encouraged.
