The film is in the inspirational category, and although stemming from true events, the screenplay, by Jamie Linden based on a story by Cory Helms and Linden, is of the variety that tends toward mostly cardboard characterizations and efforts to pull at the heartstrings. The conflict arises from those who want to rapidly rebuild the team and those who say it is too early.

With the inherent dynamics of the emotional situation itself, director McG, manages to work up some strength with conventional unabashed sentimentality. But I kept thinking, even allowing for the dire nature of what happened, pinning of the morale of the college itself and the city as a whole on whether a football team can be rebuilt is a case of misplaced values. Was it really that basic to the city’s welfare? Perhaps. But the film seems to overdo it.

Also, the whole thrust of the story appears to make everything seem like small town stuff. As I remember Huntington, it is a busy city not a cozy community college town. The cast does well given the roles to be played. Matthew McConaughey is enthusiastically off-beat and determined as the stubborn coach who takes the job others turn down and sets about rebuilding the team against all odds. Anthony Mackie as Nate is vigorous in his fight to win support for reconstituting the team.