Friday Night Lights tells the true story of the 1988 football season at Odessa-Permian High School in west Texas. The movie is based on a book by Buzz Bissinger, and it takes a look at the high pressure world of high school football in the desolate town of Odessa, Texas. This isn't exactly a feel good story in the same vein as Remember the Titans, but it quite moving.
I'm actually writing this post after having seen Friday Night Lights for the second time. Obviously, I enjoyed the film the first time around if I came back for more. But, it was after this second viewing that I realized how fantastic this movie really is. Unfortunately, I can't go into too much detail about why I think this movie is so good without giving away too much of the plot and the ending.
However, I can say that the acting in this film is quite excellent. The only big name actor in the movie is Billy Bob Thornton. Thornton gives a compelling and believable performance as head coach and role model, Gary Gaines. Derek Luke (of Antwone Fisher fame) gives an emotional performance as star running back Boobie Miles. Tim McGraw (yeah, that Tim McGraw) makes his big screen debut in Friday Night Lights. It's an interesting role that required real acting. Tim doesn't look good in any scene in this movie as he ably plays an angry, abusive drunk.
In conclusion, if you've played team sports, you will like this movie and should see it (note: this is a fairly gritty film that may not be appropriate for young boys who will be drawn to the subject matter). And, if you have a hard time understanding why Wild Banshee is so consumed with sports then you should definitely see this movie.
