Facing the Giants: A Landmark Independent Christian Film
At the strong recommendation of several of our readers, Alex and I went to see the film Facing the Giants with our family this evening. We entered the theater cautiously optimistic. We came out postively enthusiastic.
Despite an all-volunteer cast and only a $100,000 budget, Facing the Giants features an excellent (and at times brilliant) script, solid acting, and beautiful cinematography. It went beyond our expectations and several steps above almost any past Christian filmmaking effort.
If at all possible, go see this movie. Having attended two indie Christian film festivals and watched most of the popular independent Christian films in recent history, we can confidently say that this film has surpassed them all.
ACTION STEPS: (1) Visit The Official Website for trailers, plot details, theatre locations, etc. (2) Go watch the movie and take your family and friends with you. (3) Help promote the film by placing an ad on your blog or website.
October 1st, 2006 at 3:44 am
I live in Massachusetts and the movie’s not coming to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Conneticut, New Hamshire, Maine or Vermont! Most of the Christian stuff like this never comes to New England. It’s like living at the end of the world. Not many Christian bands or speakers come here. It get a little frustrating!
October 1st, 2006 at 2:50 pm
I fully agree with your recommendations! My sisters and I went yesterday, then Jubi and I went again with our parents today. It’s such a great movie!
October 1st, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Me and my sister went to go see it last night. For such a low budget and one camera they did great!
October 2nd, 2006 at 11:12 am
*big grin*
Great! I’m glad you went and I’m glad you liked it so well.
October 2nd, 2006 at 12:19 pm
Thanks guys. My family has been looking for a movie we can all go see together on Family Night.
October 2nd, 2006 at 1:50 pm
I had just finished looking at www.facingthegiants.com, when I visited your homepage! I’m so excited to see other people promoting this film. Our family enjoyed their first one, Flywheel, but it looks like this one exceeds that one tremendously! Unfortunately, Facing The Giants isn’t coming to a theatre near us, but we’ll be eagerly awaiting the dvd.
It gives so much hope to the Christian film community. I hope this sparks a fire under people’s feet!
October 2nd, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Awesome tip, guys. Thanks for the heads up. Will definitely pass the word on to others locally and also posted something on my site(s). Plan on seeing the movie if I have time.
October 2nd, 2006 at 7:07 pm
Thank you so much for posting about this movie… I watched the trailer FOUR TIMES and cried each time… We’re going to have to drive a good bit too find a theater, but I think it’ll be worth it…
October 3rd, 2006 at 3:41 am
It’s great: Facing the Giants is getting a lot of attention.
A friend remarked, “It get’s a PG rating for a Christian theme.”
Word needs to get out about movies such as this one because every ticket bought to view a movie is a vote for it. The message needs to be sent that these movies attract viewers -hopefully more viewers than your average run-of-the-mill, R rated films- so that we see more and more of them coming out.
October 3rd, 2006 at 10:45 am
I can’t find where it says where it’s coming.
October 3rd, 2006 at 11:00 am
Vevy: Go to the main page of their website (http://www.facingthegiants.com/main.php) and look for the box on the left side of the screen that says, “Find A Theatre.” You should be able to just type in your area code and find the nearest locations.
October 3rd, 2006 at 4:49 pm
This movie is so amazing. I’ve seen it at least five times!!!
October 4th, 2006 at 8:17 am
Wow, just awesome. I saw the movie last night with my relatives, was crying through almost the whole thing, and have now definetely put it on the top of my “favorites” list. I have never before seen a movie so wholly and passionately dedicated to the glory of God; i found this movie extremely encouraging, and at times, convicting. Thanks Brett and Alex for letting us know about this, else I might not have ever seen it!
I also find it so amazing that Facing the Giants was written, directed, produced, edited, and starred in by the same man - also that all of the actors in the movie came from one church!
October 5th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
I was really hoping to see it- I’ve heard alot about it. But unfortunately it is not in any theater in my whole state (CT). We need to pray for revival in the northeast!!
October 5th, 2006 at 9:43 pm
[…] Below is an exciting excerpt taken from Facing The Giants’ 10/05/06 Email Update. To sign-up for these updates, click here. Facing The Giants is a landmark independent film in theatres now. Much like with a good football team after a key victory, Facing The Giants has another big weekend ahead of it. The movie had a good opening weekend (fourth-highest per-screen average among the top-12 films) and has been consistent this week at theatres. It even is the top-rated film by users on Yahoo Movies. […]
October 7th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Me and my family saw the movie wednesday, i liked it a lot. Any1 who has not seen it should. Its that good, I was so guessing through the whole movie about wat was going to happen next. Its a great family movie night up. The only thing i found “bad” about it is “1″ time the coach says “hell”. But that was it it!!! Great movie…
October 7th, 2006 at 5:31 pm
opps srry up above i said the coach sayed hell 10 times not true only 1!!!!!!!!!!
October 7th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
Cody: I believe you’re mistaken. None of the reviews I’ve read have mentioned any uses of the word “hell.” I believe you’re referring to the time when the assistant coach is shouting “WHOOOOO!” repeatedly on the sideline after an exciting win.
October 18th, 2006 at 7:59 am
[…] Academy attendees are being privileged to hear from Stephen Kendrick, producer and co-writer of the powerful Christian film, Facing the Giants. […]
October 21st, 2006 at 7:55 am
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Katrina Says:
October 1st, 2006 at 3:44 am
I live in Massachusetts and the movie’s not coming to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Conneticut, New Hamshire, Maine or Vermont! Most of the Christian stuff like this never comes to New England. It’s like living at the end of the world. Not many Christian bands or speakers come here. It get a little frustrating!
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Actually, there may be some theatres playing the movie in massachusetts. I checked the Flagship Cinemas website, and under coming atractions it had Facing the Giants! It didn’t say when it was supposed to be out, but I can’t wait till it does. Flagship Cinemas has theatres in Wareham, Quincy, and New Bedfod,(mass.) Thomaston, Auburn, Oxford, Lewiston, Waterville,(maine) Derry,(new hampshire) Churchville, Carrolltown,(maryland) and Homestead.(florida) Now again, I don’t know when its going to be playing, but you can always check thier website for further updates. I hope this was some help! (I also live in mass. and believe me, I know how you feel!)
February 14th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I agree completely…”Facing the Giants” is completely beautiful and Christ-centered movie that deserves to be watched. I hope more movies come out like this. It was totally refreshing to me.
May 17th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Facing the Giants is an GREAT movie!! We showed it at our church and every one loved it. My favorite scene is when Brook is in the doctores office. I cry every time I watch that part. I also love the songs they used! I would definitly promote this movie!!
May 18th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
I’m glad that you recommended it to everyone!! I have seen this movie 3 times, and my family owns a dvd. It is so Christ centered and it is so amazing to see how that NOTHING is impossible with our GOD. NEVER BACK DOWN. NEVER LOSE FAITH! NEVER GIVE UP! (I can’t stop qouting things from the movie) One of my favorite scenes is the death crawl…lol
GOD bless ya’ll.
-Stace
June 8th, 2007 at 10:56 am
I’m a Christian, and I LOVE football…but this movie was REALLY bad. I couldn’t finish watching it, it was sooooo boring! The whole theme is nice, but the way they put it, and the cast was just…horrible. The cast were picked up from the street….only the black guy could act…but that was only in a 1 minute scene….and, well, I was disapointed with it. It was nothing like I expected it to be. The “death crawl” scene was kind of stupid….he’s just yelling at the guy, acting like the whole thing is a BIG deal, when it ain’t.
If people are going to exult our God, they can at least make a decent film.
June 14th, 2007 at 2:29 am
I couldn’t agree more with Amanda. I was REALLY disappointed with this movie. Not only the acting, but that everything they wanted they got by trusting that God would take care of them. I’m not saying that it isn’t true, I’m just saying we don’t always get what we want just because we ask God for it. What we want isn’t always what’s best for us. For instance my uncle and aunt have the same problem the coach and his wife had with not being able to have children, but no amount of praying that they would have their own children brought about a change. My uncle and aunt came to realize that as much as they wanted biological children God caused things to happen that showed them this wasn’t God’s plan for them. God has since blessed them with two little girls from China and Lord willing they will be adopting another child soon. I hope everyone understands that I’m not saying God couldn’t give them (the coach and his wife) their own children, I’m saying it might have been better to show that sometimes we have to change our desires so they conform to the desires of our Creator who knows what is best for us. Anyway that’s my two cents worth.
July 31st, 2007 at 9:54 am
I thought the movie was ok. I really liked that Coach Taylir and Brook did’t kiss during the entier movie.
August 6th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
It was interesting to read the comments from your viewers. The senes in the movie came from real life events, you could take bad events and make a opposit type movie. I will close by telling you this movie changed the lives of the people in the movie…. MR. BRIDGES .. IN FACING THE GIANTS
August 17th, 2007 at 9:25 am
WE will start filming our next movie in about a month. ” FIREPROOF” Look for it in fall of 2008
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Facing the Giants Rocks!!!!!!!
I agree with Nicole on the fact that they respected the fact that the woman who played Brook was another man’s wife.
August 25th, 2007 at 3:42 am
The cinematography was actually very decent, especially condsidering the low budget. However, the acting was just distracting(occasionally unbearable) and the script was faaar from brilliant. I actually think it’s great that the church went out and made a Christian movie with a positive message that seems to have resonated with alot of people. But I just think that Christians should be at the forefront of film-making…making the best movies in secular and Christian circles. Two parts that stuck out as especially grievous were: First, the whole death crawl across the field. This scene was so prolonged and so hyped up that by the end it had become completely powerless and fell flat as a book. The second, was just one line that I remember when the coach is praying( I think): “God I just want to win, that’s all, I just want to win” reffering to football!! Winning was what he cared about…talk about shallow. Anyway…I like this blog,=).
September 28th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
“Facing the Giants” is a great, entertaining movie!! It has a lot of funny parts in it (my family nearly laughed their heads off during the entire thing!), but it is still very touching
in different parts as well.
The “death crawl” scene is maybe a bit tiring, but I personally think that the black assistant coach makes up for that with the line,”All right! Who’s next?” That is one of my
favorite parts in the whole movie.
Katrina:
If you think you live in the ends of the earth, you should try living in small-town North Dakota! ;o)
October 9th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I just wanted to put in a good word for “Facing the Giants.” This is my top favorite movie ever! It is funny (I was crying when I first saw it), the script was well written, the acting was great considering none of them were professional actors, and it gives God the glory.
November 16th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
I just wanted to say that I saw Facing the Giants DVD a few weeks ago and I think it is one of the best movies I have seen. My parents don’t usually let me see movies but this one was so decent they actually let me see it. I have to admit that when I first heard it was about football I kind of was like, “yeah, football, how boring can it get?” Now, I actually think I might like something about football! I know that some of you thought that death crawl scene fell flat but that’s my favorite part of the entire movie. I have always been someone that just thinks, “I can’t do that !” I realized that maybe God really can use me to do hard things through that scene in the movie. God has used this movie to help me actually take steps to do some of the hard things I didn’t think I could do before, like sharing my faith with people I don’t know. I can’t wait for the next movie to come out!
April 20th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I have also seen this movie and it is a very good and encouraging movie however, if you beleive in God you will not automaticly get all kinds of payroll raises, new trucks etc. On the other hand God never fails to reward those who are faithful even though it might not be in this world!
May 7th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Hi there,
My name is Monique & I’m part of the PR team for Sherwood Pictures–creators of FACING THE GIANTS.
Thank you so much for supporting the movie on your blog! We wanted to keep you informed of their latest project–FIREPROOF.
It’s due to hit theaters this September in theaters nationwide. You can go to www.fireproofthemovie.com to view the trailer, read the synopsis, and sign up for updates to stay up to date with all of the FIREPROOF happenings! If you’re interested in learning more or need any resource, pictures, and downloads for your blog please email me at monique@lovell-fairchild.com and I will be happy to get you what you need.
Again, thanks for blogging!
Monique
Lovell-Fairchild Communications
June 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Greetings,
I thought this move was excellent. I think the review that Alex, and Brett did was right on!
Good Job,
~ZettaGeeK
June 26th, 2008 at 6:16 am
I love the movie. It’s a great combination of sports and Christianity. And the closing song is very inspiring. The Voice of Truth, by Casting Crowns. It’s an amazing song which speaks about stepping out of our comfort zones and following Jesus.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Yep that is about the best movie ever. Our youth group saw it and really liked it.
Maria
August 6th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
To people who think the movie is saying “you can get whatever you want by praying for it,” I disagree. Remember the coach telling the players, “If we win tonight, we will praise God, and if we lose tonight, we will still praise him”? The coach and players were prepared for the possibility of NOT getting what they wanted. And they were ready to praise God in any event. And remember Grant telling his wife, “Will you still love God even if He never gives us a child?” Brooke had to reach the point where she could praise God whether or not He gave her a baby. So I think the movie was clear that we do not always or automatically get what we want, but the point is, God is still good.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:39 am
That was amazing. My favorite part was when David kicked the football at the end. Of course , my dad had to watch it five times.
I cant wait to watch Fireproof.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I love this movie. The first time I saw it I was in tears. I love how they gave everything to the Lord, and I think thats what we need to do in everyday life. As they said if we win, we will praise you and if we lose we will praise you. That should be in everyday life.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
That was a great movie! It was so nice not having to look it up online first to make sure it was appropriate! A rare find.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
It was also really neat how they made David small and be the one who stood up to the giants…..(Goliath)!
August 31st, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Facing the Giants is an awesome movie. It shows how dependent we are on God, and that we should persevere through hard times. It’s one of those movies with clean entertainment without cursing or innapropriate behavior. If you like Facing the Giants you would like Flywheel with most of the same actors/actresses.
September 6th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Okay I Love this MOVIE. But I think for one reason, its bc I played football, the other reason would be, I’d say its bc this movie shows so much, how teens can push past what they think is hard, and move on to harder things. Like the part when he makes that young man do the death crawl, and tells him that he thinks he can go to the fifty, But he ends up goes the whole way. But my favorite part would have to be when the whole school is outside, and everyone is crying and praying, and that young man walks up to the coach and says he excepted Jesus as his Savior, so he says he wants to go talk to his Dad, and goes and says what he says. That is by far my most favorite part.
By the way Has anyone heard of Fireproof? Its the next movie by the company that made Facing the Giants. If not It comes out the 26th of this month.
September 12th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I love “Facing the Giants”!!!!!!! My family and I have seen it at the very least, 20 times! In fact my dream is to one day act in one of their movies.
By the way, make sure you all go and see “Fireproof” when it comes out on the 26th!
God Bless!
Sarah
September 15th, 2008 at 6:12 am
I TOTALLY agree with everyone here. I think anybody and EVERYBODY who watches this will not be able to deny that the message was clear, strong and encouraging.
My favourite part is definitely the death crawl.. and pretty much everything else! I just hope that I can put everything i learned into my life.
My youth had a Movie Night and showed this movie.. we invited non-Christians and I’m happy to say even they loved it!
greaat job!
October 24th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
This movie is a must have for Christian homes.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I enjoyed the entertainment the movie provided. Definitely a feel-good flick. It is my belief, however, that God does not always give exactly what you want everytime. He will change the desires of our hearts to His when those desires don’t line up with His…and we all need to be willing to accept God’s “nos” as readily as we accept the “yeses.” I liked Flywheel much better..and I’m planning on seeing Fireproof too.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Love this movie!
December 14th, 2008 at 5:51 am
A must-see!
I laugh and cry when I watch it-and I’ve seen it over 5 times! My favourite parts are:
-the death crawl (reminds me that even if we think no one is watching, demons and angels are. It does matter how we react to situations-like Brock did though he didn’t know the other guys were following him, stunned by how far he had gone)
-Brooke at the clinic, totally submitting to God her desire to have children-and God gave it to her!
-David trusting God about making the 51-yard field goal-and God helped him!
So anyone out there who hasn’t seen it, drop everything and do! You’ll have no regrets…AT ALL!
December 14th, 2008 at 5:53 am
–oh I forgot to say, it’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen! But you probably guessed that from my above entry…:)
December 27th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Last night my family and I wached Expelled by Ben Stein and it realy motivated me to do something about the fact that there are people bing denied their right to speek. I know this post is about facing the giants (which is a great movie along with fireproof) but I dont know where to post this idea. this is a movie you must watch and I would like it to be discused. If you (Alex and Brett) could give me some ideas on how I could lead or help this cause please let me know.
Lee
God Bless you.
January 4th, 2009 at 4:35 am
This film is really awesome! I cannot remember how many times Ihave seen it (must be over a 100!!). I just wish there were subtitles in different kinds of languages, so that more people would be blessed and not only those who know English…Another thing that is bugging me and my sister is that here in Greece, Fireproof is not coming out at all!!!