Gridiron Gang

Based on a true story, a probation officer cobbles together a football team from a bunch of juvies. Although full of schmaltz and pomp, it still scores points, the Rock retains some dignity and some characters are truly worth rooting for.

By Dezhda Mountz Sep 15, 2006 7:00 AMTags

It's based on the true story of Sean Porter, a probation officer who cobbles together a scrappy football team from a bunch of juvies (also captured in a 1993 documentary of the same name). Will they win even one game? Possibly go to the playoffs? Eh, you probably know the ending of this story already.

Nonetheless, this movie still scores some points: Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson retains some dignity despite spewing more platitudes than the book of Psalms; the documentary-style camera work roughens the edges a bit; and, most important, these are truly vulnerable, hopeful characters who actually deserve our cheers. That alone makes Gang worth a run.

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