The Skyliner

Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: Entertainment & Features

Steven Lester
Guest Writer


Gridiron Gang might be viewed as the typical football movie. To a certain extent yes, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays Sean Porter, who is a probation officer for teens and is dissatisfied in their system. With the help with Malcolm Moore, played by Xzibit, Porter creates a football team made up of convicted teens.

Porter and Moore use football to build discipline, pride and a sense of self into these troubled teens as they build the team they deal with injury, defeat and tragedy.
The thing that really makes Gridiron different from other football movies is the story line that encompasses the game.

Jeff Maguire, the writer, does a good job of confronting the audience with the truth of violent crime, gang rivalries and street life. Being based off a true story gives Gridiron an even harder punch.

Beyond the story line, the acting and directing was mediocre. "The Rock" was actually one of the highlights of the movie. I would call this the best role he has ever played.

Although he probably delivered the role of his life, his counterparts Jade Yorker, Willie Weathers and Trevor O'Brien, Kenny Bates have a hard time dealing with the emotional stress that their suppose to betray as Kenny Bates and Willie Weathers. Although I think these two young actors have great potential, I just think it was a stretch for them.

Phil Joanou, the director didn't do many exciting shots or technique throughout the movie. He kept to the basic football movie shots. The slow motion and close up of the players running up and down the field.

Nothing really new, just a couple of big hits and slow motion runs. In that sense I wasn't impressed. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was well worth an hour and 59 minutes of my time.

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