Woodlawn (2015)

A gifted high school football player must learn to embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field.

Directors:

Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin

Writers:

Jon Erwin, Todd Gerelds (book)

Stars:

Caleb Castille, Sean Astin, Jon Voight

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sean Astin	...	Hank Erwin
Nic Bishop	...	Tandy Gerelds
Caleb Castille	...	Tony Nathan
Sherri Shepherd	...	Momma Nathan
Jon Voight	...	Paul Bryant
Joy Brunson	...	Johnnie
Lance E. Nichols	...	Junior (as Lance Nichols)
DeVon Franklin	...	Preacher
C. Thomas Howell	...	Shorty
Kevin Sizemore	...	Jerry Stearns
Brett Rice	...	Whitehurst
Virginia Williams	...	Debbie
Brando Eaton	...	Morton
Richard Kohnke	...	Jeff Rutledge
Jet Jurgensmeyer	...	Todd

Storyline

When Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama is controversially desegregated in 1973, Tony Nathan, a gifted black high school football player, joins the school's predominantly white football team along with several other black players. The coach, Tandy Gerelds, tells the team to use their shared anger to unite them, but black and white players clash on and off the field. After a riot at the school, Gerelds consents to allowing traveling sports chaplain Hank Erwin to speak to the team as a "motivational speaker". Hank's speech moves nearly the entire team to accept Hank's invitation to commit their lives to Jesus Christ, and join together in prayer. Gerelds does not accept the invitation, and is unsure what to make of the event..

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Plot Keywords:

coach | christianity | racial integration | american football | racism | 

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Taglines:

One Hope. One Truth. One Way (John 14:6)

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements including some racial tension/violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

A Woodlawn quarterback calls a play in the huddle using the name of Jon Gruden's iconic play: Spider Y 2 Banana, which was referenced by comedian Frank Caliendo in his dead-on Gruden parody.

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Goofs

During the game between Woodlawn and Banks where it is pouring with rain, the Woodlawn sideline players and coaches are seen to be wet. However, the Banks sideline players and coaches are dry with dry hair and clothing. The rain can be seen falling in front of them.

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Quotes

Paul Bryant: Gentlemen, if wanting to win is a fault, then I plead guilty. I like to win. Know no other way. It's in my blood. When I get beat, which is gonna happen occasionally, I like it to be by an opponent worthy of my respect. Fine game, son.
Sam Cunningham: Thank you, sir.
Paul Bryant: Brave of you to play it. Thank y'all for coming down here.

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Connections

Featured in One: The Woodlawn Study: Who Is Your Team? (2016)

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Soundtracks

Sweet Home Alabama
Written by Edward King, Gary Rossington, and Ronnie Van Zant
Performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Courtesy of The MCA Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Surprisingly good

The wife and I watched "Woodlawn" last night. We were surprised that we liked it so much. It's a combination of a sports movie, an anti-racism movie, and a pro-Jesus movie. In most cases, I don't much care for any of the three, because I don't like preachy movies and I don't care about sports itself. But this one really worked for me. It's based on true events. I found myself cheering out loud over a lousy touchdown (I never do that)! I found myself caring about the characters. It doesn't go over-the-top on the anti-racism message - so many movies have one or two token white guys who are decent, while the rest are vicious devils, just to make sure we don't miss the point, because after all we're too stupid to get it otherwise. The pro-Jesus message is there because it is necessary to the plot and the furthering thereof, so you don't feel like your church took you to see it in a van just to keep it from tanking at the box office. And the sports element is - well, OK, any football scenes in any movie are basically 'will he get the ball to the end zone or not?' because that's what sports is. It's a darned inspiring movie is what it is.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 October 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Woodlawn

Filming Locations:

Legion Field - 400 Graymont Avenue W, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,002,226, 18 October 2015

Gross USA:

$14,394,097

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,401,617

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kevin Downes Productions, Crescent City Pictures, FortyFour Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1