Gridiron Gang Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
One goal. A second chance.
In the Kilpatrick juvenile detention center, the supervisor and former football player Sean Porter sees the lack of discipline, self-esteem, union and perspective in the teenage interns and proposes to prepare a football team to play in one league. He is supported by his superiors and his successful experience changes the lives of many young kids.
| Dwayne Johnson | Sean Porter |
| Xzibit | Malcolm Moore |
| L. Scott Caldwell | Bobbi Porter |
| Leon Rippy | Paul Higa |
| Kevin Dunn | Ted Dexter |
| Jade Yorker | Willie Weathers |
| David V. Thomas | Kelvin Owens |
| Setu Taase | Junior Palaita |
| Mo | Leon Hayes |
| James Earl | Donald Madlock |
| Trever O'Brien | Kenny Bates |
| Brandon Smith | Bug Wendal |
| Jurnee Smollett | Danyelle Rollins |
| Michael J. Pagan | Roger Weathers |
| Jamal Mixon | Jamal Evans |
| Phil Joanou |
6.70 out of 10 (3915 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Give this film a chance
posted on 27 Jun 2009I have seen a lot of people rag on this film because it has a wrestler in it. First of all lemme say something. This isn't the football movie to end football movies. The Rock actually plays his part really well as well as the other members of the cast. To totally brush this off would be an injustice. I had my doubts as well, not because of The Rock but because there are so many football movies that come out and a lot fail to keep my attention. I loved Varsity Blues and The Program. The Replacements failed to meet expectations and Remember the Titans was just OK. and don't even mention The Longest Yard remake.... This film is definitely above average. The presentation is handled well and The Rock proves he belongs there. He also proves that he excels in drama rather than being the action hero or the comedic role (although i did enjoy The Rundown). So take a chance on the movie and chances are you will enjoy the whole 2 hrs and some change that this movie is.
The Rock proves he can act
posted on 21 Jun 2009The Rock was pretty good and believable in this movie. He plays a football coach over a group of young delinquents whom have done everything from stealing cars to killing a man. These are troubled teens and most of them are involved in gang life. This is basically their last chance before doing hard time behind bars. Coach Porter starts a football team to teach the kids discipline and respect for each other. At first, they slack off, but soon they begin to care. The first game turns out disastrous for them. But, they learn to congeal together and soon field a good team. Along the way, they learn to let go of their hate and gang ties. Several kids get center attention as cases Coach Porter really works on.The movie is moving and makes you want to route for the kids. The Rock plays his role well and he does more than just read lines. Plus, the story was just good.FINAL VERDICT: A good movie to watch even if you don't particularly care for sport films.
A Surprisingly Good Film That I Will Recommend To All-
posted on 15 Jun 2009I want to start off this comment with a confession. I saw this movie last night and thought a wrestler, a Rapper and a ghetto football team would do little to entertain me. I wasn't expecting a lot, and maybe that helped, but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.When the movie ended I wasn't surprised that the movie was based on a real story, to be frank I wouldn't have been surprised if they'd used the real people in the roles because the acting throughout was superb, with none of the characters being given forced lines or plots, and seemingly genuinely involved in this films little world. Chammilionaire and his friend Dwayne were not thrown out of their depth either, with one giving a believable performance as a coach who really cares, and the other as an indifferent friend whose really just their to help.Now don't get me wrong, this film will not be the epiphany for all the moviegoers who can't stand watching wrestlers and musicians attempts at acting, their is nothing in this movie that really stands out and will make you go 'wow'. What this movie is is a return to solid gold story telling. Everything that happens is lifelike, with unpredictable little quirks and outbursts of fate and emotions which shows the depth of the story. All the characters seem to be really struggling through their difficulties, and although there is violence and swearing throughout this movie its message is deeply ingrained. And although I'm not one to be preached to about violence, the film makes you care.I think this film can be summed up by the reactions you get to the situations. When the characters were down you do feel helpless, when someone gets aggressive you feel the adrenalin rush, and when someone is laughing, you will find yourself oddly smiling.
Excellent
posted on 07 Jun 2009This was one of those, cry at times because you feel the pain, laugh at times and cheer the underdogs. It is very true that people need to adjust their thinking on juvies who make a mistake. After the do the time the crime is paid for and they, as well as adult offenders, deserve a second chance. I am a mother of two good boys who made a bad choice. I hope the movie showed them that the choices made will hinder you. I think the Rock and Exhibit were very good. I am glad my boys wanted to watch this film. There was an excellent message. I would recommend this film to everyone. You really get a chance to see the inner workings of gangs and what they are really like.
Great Movie
posted on 07 Jun 2009Hey this movie is great it tells what some people really go through and how a lot of things are affecting us young people and that it not easy but this movie is straight up and I saw it and it is great so i know u all got to go see it.It is great it tells what is up and whats going down around the world.I thought this movie i was funny because of some of the parts that they do and it was sad to at the same time because some of the things you see some people go through everyday and you are bragging about your life and how you have the worst life but after you see this you should think different because life is not perfect for everyone..
Okay...But Don't Waste Your Time Or Money
posted on 28 May 2009Gridiron Gang is about a bunch of felons at a juvenile detention center and how their camp officer Sean Porter (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), and his friend Malcolm Moore (Xzibit) turn the teenage criminals into football players in a matter of weeks. Confronted with gang rivalries between his teammates, Porter attempts to teach the kids self-respect and responsibility. The rock tries really hard to be inspiring, but the fact is, he really isn't that good of an actor, neither is Xzibit, or anyone else in this movie for that matter. There's a good amount of football, shown in the movie, which I enjoyed, but off the field the movie dragged. The 'intense' gang rivalries weren't really that interesting, and seemed all too familiar. There are so many other football movies out there that are much better than this. I recommend watching Remember the Titans or Friday Night Lights. Both of those movies complete the job this movie tried really hard, but didn't succeed to do.
A movie someone can relate too....
posted on 28 May 2009First of all i'd like to point out that so far this is my favorite movie, as i, and many others can relate to this movie.As an immigrant i really can relate to this movie since no one believed in me and thought i had trouble written all over my face, this isn't the question, this movie brings you chills and tears that you can't even help yourself.Even getting stopped by police here and then just because they think you've done something bad, this movie describes everything you need to know about everyday life in the streets.Watch this movie with passion and you will understand what most of us are living through everyday.this movie has to be seen by many in order to believe your eyes, most people don't realise that this is happening every minute in the world.i finish this review by saying that this movie should be seen and deserves to stay on top in box office.
As Good as The Titans
posted on 28 May 2009Gridiron Gang Dwayne "The Rock" JohnsonAs Good as The TitansA detention camp supervisor Sean Porter, (The Rock), comes up with a way to decrease the high percentage of teens returning to a life of crime after they serve their time. He plans to teach them football, and getting this idea past his boss won't be easy. I said this was as good as the Titans and in many ways, better. The action, football and non-football, comes at you at a fast pace and if I didn't know better the non-football action seemed pretty real to me. The football sequences didn't allow anyone to hold anything back. This program is real and works and we get a little taste of it here. Yes, a lot of clichés are thrown about, but they are really needed for this hardened group of criminal teens. They work. A lot of credit needs to go to the real Sean Porter and his staff by making something like this work. How far this program has extended itself outside the boundaries we see in the movie was not mentioned or if it was I missed it.The Rock continues to amaze me. He is pretty good as an actor. All the cast performed in excellent fashion. The editing for the football action sequences was outstanding. The dialogue was downright real and humorous dialogue was abundant. I remember one line that went something like this: I just love sacking quarterbacks. Hard to believe it's legal.All in all a very good movie and keep in mind it's based on a real program in California to help troubled teens. Violence: Yes, Sex: No, Nudity: No, Language: Yes
This movie shines a light...
posted on 26 May 2009This movie shines a light on how bad things can get when people give up on "problem kids". Let's see if I got the message... A passionate caregiver, juvenile detention center, " problem kids". Sounds like a recipe for a hit. Unfortunately this movie got a lot of flack from the critics because it was assumed to be another sports movie. That's where the critics went wrong. This movie wasn't about football so much as how it's about the positive influence an organized sports program can have when nothing else seems to work. This is another movie featuring the Rock that was based on a true story. This one actually follows true events and real people. I say this movie rates with Coach Carter. Watch this movie and you'll see why schools need to keep sports!
A Nutshell Review: Gridiron Gang
posted on 16 May 2009OK, hands up all those who think they've seen one too many sports movies, or movies with troubled teens having inspirational teachers motivate them out of their dire straits. Movies like Dangerous Minds, Coach Carter, Hard Ball, and even recent dance movies like Take the Lead, and Step Up, all seem to have come from the same mould.Based on a true story, and on the Emmy award winning documentary of the same name, Gridiron Gang follows the tried and tested formula for movies with juvenile delinquents. The misfits cannot work together, and it is through sports that they learn camaraderie, the value of friendship, and of not giving up hope. To do this, they have to first be instilled with discipline, and here's where the coach cum motivator come into play.Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson joins the list of stars with stints as cinematic teachers/ motivators, just as the likes of Antonio Banderas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Samuel L Jackson have preceded him. And for a movie like this, with attitude and a host of students with menacing street grit, he comes across as totally believable, and looked the role too as a teacher who can command and gain r-e-s-p-e-c-t from the troubled teens. Having starred in mostly action movies in his Hollywood career thus far, Gridiron Gang allowed The Rock some space in dramatic moments to prove his acting chops, so take this opportunity to see if you'll laugh and cry together with him. You can't deny that his charismatic presence (even sans The People's Eyebrow) helped a bit.Despite its 2 hours length, the movie surprisingly never felt like it dragged nor that it needed a lift from its sports action scenes. It balances the dramatic moments and set action pieces well, and this is somehow quite rare for sports movies, which usually excel in one area over the other. The movie's strengths, because of familiarity in themes and structure, lied in its execution, as well as allowing you to feel for some of its key characters. Given that the sport in focus is American Football, there is absolutely no necessity for anyone to be familiar with the sport in order to enjoy the game. Which allowed the movie to potentially reach out to a greater audience not only on the basis of its universal themes, never mind that the sport is relatively unpopular here.And given the enthusiastic response from the audience to its game sequences, I'd say you'll feel for the Mustangs as they grow and develop as a team, and champion through the odds and obstacles along the way. It's somewhat heartening to know that strength in unity holds true in the circumstances presented, and that every "loser" has a chance to make it good. Although many of the characters have committed crimes, some violent, these are almost always never dwelled upon by director Phil Joanou, who seem to want to walk the talk by putting emphasis on the more positive aspects of human character, especially those who are in need of help to get back to the right path in society. This is no yellow-ribbon programme, and gaining acceptance back in society is a constant uphill battle, starting with performance on the football field.There are plenty of ra-ra moments in the movie, and the usual speeches on self-worth, respect, and constant reminders not to throw a young life full of potential away. Life's a journey of constant learning, and that's very true for the boys in the Mustang team, player and coach alike.Stay tuned when the end credits roll to glimpse the documentary on which the movie is based upon, as well as to meet the real Sean Porter and the faces of the real people behind some of the characters in the movie.
Better Than Expected
posted on 06 Apr 2009I have seen many films dealing with American Football, this was one of the better ones but still a few problems existed. First of all the good:The Rock and Xzibit's acting was well done and the 'Rock' gave his all in his role. The story was good and very emotional. For once there was a lot more football shown than we are usually given in a movie like this.The bad: At times the emotional content of the film was overused and combined with the music and acting....on more than one occasion I thought 'The Rock' and Xzibit would say I love you guys...to the team. As usual we never see the final game being played....cmon how many movies like this do we see where they get to the final only for them to lose and we don't see them playing.Overall though better than expected and well worth a watch.
Definitely Worth Seeing!!!
posted on 04 Apr 2009I love football movies so this definitely caught my attention once I saw the trailers. It's not as amazing as Remember the Titans or Rudy, but I know I will be buying that movie once it comes out.The Rock did a great job acting and so did Xibit. I was very surprised. Each person embraced their character so well. Within the first 2 minutes of the movie I was already tearing up. There are many parts I start to tear up at especially when the gangs start to unite in the football team. This is a very touching movie with lots of action and surprise. I definitely recommend for people to see this movie. It's worth it!!!
Realistic look at our juvenile justice system
posted on 02 Apr 2009(Synopsis) The movie is based on a true story of a juvenile detention camp probation officer Sean Porter (Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson), who is frustrated by the 75% recidivism rate of the teenage felons that he is responsible for at Camp Kilpatrick. Sean Porter, a former college football star, comes up with an idea to form a football team. Porter believes that football will teach the teenage inmates what it takes to be responsible, teammates, and be winners for the first time, not losers. Porter and probation officer, Malcolm Moore (Xzibit) become the coaches, and they only have 4 weeks to get a team together before their first game. The juveniles must give up their gang rivalries on the gridiron to unite as a team.(My Comment) You may think that this is just another football movie, but you would be wrong. This is one intense movie that gives you a realistic look into the lives and attitudes of teenage gang members, and their mindset that life means nothing to them when it comes to being disrespected by other gang members. Coach Porter was able to change their ways and give the young men a second chance, and they were better for it. You may be surprised that the Rock actually did a fine job of acting as Coach Porter. You must stay to the very end during the credits, because they show scenes from the documentary of the actual people. (Columbia Pictures, Run time 2:00, Rated PG-13)(8/10)
You have to see this one! An excellent movie with heart!
posted on 27 Mar 2009This was the best movie I have seen this year. The Rock's performance was excellent along with all the cast. Cheers for the casting director. There are lessons about life to be learned from this movie and my praises go out to the people who are making a difference working with gang members in our violent world. We have to remember that gangs are a circle of violence and someone has to step into the "gridiron" and make a difference. This is a film about pain, suffering and the struggles of everyday life but it is also about faith, hope, renewal and the power of change that is in each of us. Movies like this one give me back the hope that our world can change and maybe people will wake up and realize we are all the same, we all have hopes and dreams and a little love and faith can go a long way. Special thanks to the "coach" who started all this, he is the real hero in this story. After reading a few other comments I wanted to add that I do NOT think this movie is full of cliché's, it is full of reality and the hard truth about the lives these young men had lead so far. Playing on a football team was not about playing football, it was for some young men the first time they ever really saw anyone not from their hood as a human being, not just an un-named enemy. It was realistic and touching. Again it shows us to never give up hope and that sometimes all we really need in life is for even just one person to believe in us. I may be a dreamer but I do believe that even small gestures of kindness in everyday life can make a difference in this world. I think this film should win awards, it was well acted and worthy of much praise.
Inspirational true story with feel good factor!!
posted on 07 Mar 2009Though some parts of the movie are quite violent and depressing they serve to bring home the reality of the situation. The rest of the movie, though reasonably predictable, leaves the viewer with a sense of well being and hope. I thought the acting was class and the storyline well organised. I might be biased as in the fact that I am a sucker for true stories with inspirational themes. That must be the life coach in me. But this one really served its purpose well. Really enjoyed it. It proves that with perseverance every problem can be a stepping stone and every obstacle a motivator. Further more it tries to prove that perceptions and presumptions are just that and that we should not attach that much importance to them.
Best football movie since Radio!
posted on 19 Feb 2009The rock! He is solid and does a wonderful job in this football genre of a movie. Yes this is a football movie And the football in this movie is great better then a lot of football movies out there! but there is definitely more then football in this movie and the more then football part kicks ass just because its Hollywood! They make the lines that are meant to bring a tear to your eye bring a tear to your eyes not because bad but because just good enough to make you cry! This movie like Friday night lights you have to love football or sports to understand movies like these and why they are so real to life comparisons or just love movies like these! This is also one of the rocks best movies and proves to people that he can act. this also comes from a big fan of the rock and loves everything he does. people should give him a chance because he makes more money then us! Recommended to everyone who loves movies that have a great point in life!
Well done "The Rock".
posted on 03 Feb 2009I think this film was well executed from start to finish, and I am glad Dwayne (the Rock) is doing these sort of films now and at 34 years will not be type casted. Xzibit also did very well in this film. You were able to relate well to the characters and even better to the story. After watching your left with a warm feeling inside. Even watching the real life footage at the very end gives you the feeling that sometimes a little change can turn into a raging success with the right time and commitment. Thank you Seen Potter for your life story and I think I'm going to start on my autobiography right now. In closing a big shout out to the Rock for in my opinion being the best wrestler to turn Hollywood ever but I guess its all acting anyway, so maybe it wasn't as big a change as it sounds.
gr8 movie =)
posted on 08 Jan 2009it was a gr8 movie its 1 of my favorites =P xzibit didn't do much in it he only had a couple of lines & he didn't even appear in a lot of the scenes. at times it made me laugh & cry, it was very emotional =P i liked did it yes yes i did i don't have 10 lines 2 say =/ i'm in class & forced 2 do this =P more like assigned but yea ...i got three more lines =) now two more my last 1 woo-who!!! but 4reals the movie was gr8 =D <33333 some1 tell me why 10 lines is necessary??? i thought i was done but then it told me i needed more & i can't think of anything else =/ ..well my day was gr8 i have lunch next ...who's really going 2 read this pooh anyway? bye bye
08/15
posted on 06 Jan 2009The story is something we hear about, everyday; Gangs, violence, crimes...etc. and there are millions of movies like this, thats why it is nothing special. and that is the problem. i also don't think they get any award for cinematography, its nothing else then in every football movie. u also could predict a lot of stuff, no surprises...and it doesn't get TOO emotional either, "The Longest Yard" for example was a lot better football movie, u had definitely more fun watching it. to be honest, one of the worst Dwayne Johnson movies yet... peace!
Uplifting and inspirational!
posted on 23 Jul 2009I think this movie was excellent. The "Rock" surprised me completely. I took him as a hard core/action actor, but he really made this movie his own. The boys were great actors as well. I cannot get over how some of these boys can act. Willie Weathers played the part, as well as the others. It wasn't a movie where in 10 seconds they were best friends or they won the first football game they played....the movie gave you just what it was - of course I am sure some of the real life events were a little different, but towards the end of the movie I couldn't wait until they kicked some butt, or when Willie finally knocked the "private" school brats down on their behinds!!!! That was so exciting! I laughed, cried and my heart was touched. I think this movie will make people see that kids sometimes make the wrong choices, a lot of which is upbringing and some not, but have so much more inside, they are children. This Coach Porter changed a lot of lives!! God Bless Him!