Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Documentary
Review: This is a very, very well put together documentary about the seriousness of football in small town Ohio. The movie follows the senior season for three star football players from Massollin (Washington) High School, located one hour from Cleveland. The lives of the players off the field are also presented quite realistically, with discussions of teenage drinking, high school partying, college aspirations, failed ACT's, etc.Having grown up in small town Kentucky, where basketball is king, I could relate to many of the issues illuminated during the movie. The intensity of the coaches, fans, principal and school superintendent was expected. The language, locker room shouting, recruiting allegations, and other pregame activity is not surprising. What was a bit disturbing is that the football players are placed under a great deal of pressure to "save the community" due to the financial woes of the school system. (Considering the money that is poured into this program, it is a small wonder that the school system is in financial jeopardy!) If you enjoyed "Hoop Dreams," you will love this movie. It is rated "R," for good reason, but both men and women will find it engaging.
Rating:
Summary: Great work, Mr. Carlson
Review: This is one of the most engaging documentaries I have ever seen (and I have watched hundreds). One reason I enjoyed it so much is the absence of narration. Carlson assembled interviews, footage, and newsreels in a manner that clearly explains the issues and events without the need for narration. Thus, it was just like watching a feature film, only with actual characters and events.
Rating:
Summary: The Greatest Movie Ever Made
Review: Why? BECAUSE I'M IN IT!! (I think. And even if it IS me, I'm just a small speck of an extra.) But, man! Me in a movie! How cool is that?? Aaaaaaaanyway, the documentary is VERY well-done and VERY well-put together and whatnot. I don't really understand why this film has gotten so popular with the non-Ohio crowd though.
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