Release Date: March 25, 2011 (Limited Release)
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour 38 minutes

The 5th Quarter is an inspiring film about a family and community coming together after a devastating car accident. Driven by the tragic and fatal car crash that took the life of his fifteen year old brother Luke, and wearing Luke’s number 5 jersey, Jon Abbate helps to lead the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to the most successful season in school history.

This is the first emotionally draining family drama that I’ve come across this year. The film follows a family shortly before, during, and mainly after the tragic death of their 15 year old loved one, Luke. The road that Luke’s older brother, Jon goes down is at first troublesome but he eventually finds his ground again. The way that Jon stepped up to the plate and took back his life after it seemed like so much of it was taken away, it provides for a very uplifting and inspiring message. The acting is good and the directing is fairly good as well, so there’s never a disconnect.

However, the film seems like more of a family tool than entertainment. Parents can talk to their kids about the dangers of reckless driving, organ donation, and the beauty in living…in not taking life for granted. As for the script, the opening sequence builds up to the death far too soon and then the pace reaches turtle speed. So while the script has an emotional backing, lots more could have been shared in the film to give it more meat. Speaking of…while Jon basically dedicates his football career to Luke, this is not a football movie. Though the most inspiring takes are on the field. Why?

As the film is based on the real life story behind the 2006 Wake Forest University football team, real footage from the actual football games are intertwined with the film’s games. Talk about a tearjerker moment. What is so wonderful about this moment and all of the moments this family has is that everyone can relate to love and life and loving life. While the values of this family are clearly Christian and it definitely has the feel of an independent Christian film, everyone of all religious backgrounds can relate to death, dealing with grief, and living your best life. The love that this family receives after this tragedy is overflowing and that says a lot about what this film is portraying as well. There are so many sides to grief and moving on and this film did a pretty good job in conveying that. So when you go to see the film, just be prepared to reflect on your life as well as the lives of others that you are touching.

See The 5th Quarter in limited theaters today.