Touchback
for some mature thematic elements.
Reviewed by: Dan Willis—first time reviewer
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Average |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Teens Adults |
| Genre: | Sports Fantasy Drama |
| Length: | 1 hr. 58 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2012 |
| USA Release: |
April 13, 2012 DVD: January 8, 2013 |
Proverbs 18:14 says, “A man’s spirit can sustain his broken body, but when spirit dies, what hope is left?”
Commit to memorizing and applying Philippians 4:11 — “not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
What are some things you wish you could change in your life?
Do you regret decisions that you’ve made in the past?
If you could go back and live your life over again, what would you change?
Scott Murphy suffered for years from his career-ending leg injury, and it affected his demeanor. We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can control our attitude and our spirit.
In a world filled with hurt and suffering, how can we be fulfilled with what God has given us, rather than focusing on the things we don’t have, or could have had?
It’s easy to look back and wonder if we could have changed something that might have led to a different, more enjoyable future. Let’s not forget that the people and things we love might not be here, if our life took a different path. For example, like Scott and his wife Macy’s marriage and family. What are three positive aspects of your life that you cherish and would not want to change?
Do material things truly make you happy?
How can you shift your priorities to things that really matter?
Are you you storing up your treasures here on Earth or in Heaven?
What are some ways you can be content with all you’ve been blessed to receive in your life?
Write down one thing that you are thankful for at the end of each day.
What should we thank God for, and how should we praise Him? Answer
THANKFULNESS—Tips for New and Growing Christians—GO
Are you thankful to God? GO
Tell those in your life how much you appreciate them.
Live in the present and look forward to the future, rather than dwelling on the past.
| Featuring |
Brian Presley … Scott Murphy Kurt Russell … Coach Hand Melanie Lynskey … Macy Marc Blucas … Hall Christine Lahti … Thelma See all » |
| Director |
Don Handfield |
| Producer |
Freedom Films Brandt Andersen … co-executive producer Derek Beumer … executive producer See all » |
| Distributor | Anchor Bay Films |
“Would you give up everything you love for a shot at everything you’ve wanted?”
This film is a throwback to the football movies of old. Looking to rekindle the passion of the small town American football hero, “Touchback” follows the story of Scott Murphy. A chance to make the big play when it counts for his high school team leads to a tragic accident and cripples Scott, taking his life of success and stardom and leaving him stranded in the backwater town of Coldwater.
As life around him keeps taking a turn for the worse and everything falls apart, something out the ordinary occurs. Scott finds himself transported back in time to his high school days. Scott relives the last week before the big injury and struggles to learn what life is all about.
This film was created to be a memorial to the football culture of the 70s and 80s. This means it comes complete with the underdog story and everything good and bad that comes with it. There is sexual innuendo, girls skinny dipping (no nudity shown), alcohol abuse and an assortment of high school language that is inappropriate for children. It is a hard-hitting football film, as well, so people who struggle with violence might have a hard time with the field.
“Touchback” is a worthwhile watch for young Christian men and women and their parents. The film wrestles with maturity and understanding what is actually valuable in life. Tearing down pride, wealth, and popularity, the film gives an honest look at what is important. Also, the film shows that love and marriage are a lot more valuable than physical attraction. While there are many difficult situations in the film that are inappropriate for younger viewers, Scott tries to fix a lot of problems and live a much better life.
My opinion is that, while this film is not child-friendly, there is much value and good discussion that can come from it. If you have any young adults in your home, from 13-18, this film is definitely worth watching in order to discuss issues that face high school students and to share an understanding, as a family, of what God considers valuable in life. This film builds up the sanctity of marriage, the value of friendship and the desire for more than material wealth.
Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Moderate—“Jesus” (1), “hell” (several), “damn” (several) / Sex/Nudity: Moderate
Official site: touchback-themovie.com
Actor/Producer Brian Presley (“Home of the Brave,” “Borderland”) made this film after he was amazed to find parallels between the lead character's journey and his own life. Watch his testimony: http://bit.ly/touchbackyoutubetestimony
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4