What makes it different from others?

A Masterpiece!

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Teenagers at a juvenile detention center, under the leadership of their counselor, gain self-esteem by playing football together. Gridiron Gang proves that The Rock is more than just muscles and he has the right stamina and acting chops to pull off a great and strong dramatic role that he seems to own and he seems to have worked hard to get there. The rest of the Cast of this teenagers who seek for redemption were also great and the film's football sequences were intense and dramatic and it's ending even more powerful as i was expecting and it's definitely an underrated movie. (A+)

It may seem like we have seen this kind of a film before. The one where we have troubled adolescents with no real direction of life, getting the motivation from dedicated teachers to provide tough love and to motivate these kids to prepare them for the future and to inject a positive outcome and to show that you can be anything you want if you set your mind to it. Based on actual events based on the Emmy winning show of the same name, "Gridiron Gang" is one of many films focused on the trials and tribulations of troubled teens. The delinquents fail to co-exist, but through the power of sport, they are able to learn about teamwork, the power of cooperation and the gift of hope. In order for this dream to become a reality, they need to have someone to guide them on the right path. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson walks in familiar territory like Michelle Pfeiffer in "Dangerous Minds" and Samuel L. Jackson from "Coach Carter" he takes the helm as the guy setting these delinquents on the straight and narrow by getting involved in football. With his experience in wrestling and football, Johnson is the perfect choice for the role. With his tough attitude and his glimmering charisma, he not only looks believable he also fits the role to a tee. Even though he has starred in mostly action films, The Rock has stepped out of his bubble to expand in other areas by taking on a more dramatic role as we can sit back and enjoy the laughter and tears as his words of wisdom combined with his humour will bring out that feeling of hope. Even though the movie lasts well over two hours, I was surprised that this movie never feels like it's dragging and the sports scenes get a piece of action as well. The dramatic scenes and the action scenes are both equally proportioned and manages successfully to keep its audience intrigued. That's a rarity because in many movies they either usurp one another. Even though these types of films are formulaic, but here in "Gridiron Gang", we can't help but feel sympathy for the characters. Even though football is the sport of choice here, you don't need a full encyclopedic knowledge to enjoy the movie. This further expands its viewers who don't know the game or are fans of the game.As the film progresses, you begin to root for the Mustangs as they gain the confidence in winning and functioning as a team. It's very freshening that teamwork can help solve one's problems and that all underdogs can achieve their goals when the odds are stacked against us. And though these kids have committed acts of terrible, sometimes violent crimes, it's very rarely brought upon by director Phil Joanou who's concentrating on looking though the positive ways of life through these characters and paint a positive outlook on their lives. It's never an easy path to take, therefore football is the pivotal start in the right direction. Sure there's some preachiness in the film about staying strong, confident and don't throw your lives away. As long as you're alive on this planet, you'll never stop learning and that rings true to the Mustang team, the coach and the trainers as well.At the end of the film as the credits roll, there are brief snippets of the documentary that this movie is based on which includes the opportunity to see the real Sean Porter and the Mustang players this movie is based on.

The Gridiron Gang was a great movie. In the movie there are a lot of lessons taught by the inmates, as well as the coaches. The kids learn lessons about how to get along with others, how to be respectful, and never give up on what you believe you can do. The movie is amazing because of the message it gives out. In the movie it shows the constant struggle to get better and to overcome adversity. Thats a big lesson in life that everyone should learn, and that's why i love the movie.The story took place in 1988 in California. Sean (Dwayne Johnson) is one of the main characters. He is important because he helps the kids realize that there is more in life than being in jail. Roger weathers (Michael J. Pagan) has trouble getting out of jail as well as getting out of his gang, along with his cousin. Willie Weathers (Jade Yorker) and Kelvin Owens (David Thomas) have trouble throughout the movie. In the end they figure out that being a team is more important than being in a gang.Dwayne Johnson did an amazing job in the movie and is important to the movies success. Sean (the character played by Dwayne) is the guy who makes all of this happen. He sets up the team and makes sure that the kids are successful and are more than likely not to end back up in jail where they started. He is also an important part of making sure that in the end, the kids have something to look forward to. Make sure that they are winners.In the movie I like how all the characters have their own personalities. Each character has a back story and each one knows how hard it is in different areas. One thing i don't like about this movie is that it wasn't as long as i would like it to be. I would want more of a backstory on some little characters.This story teaches some very important lessons. It teaches that no matter what happens with your life that you can always change the bad, and make it good. It also teaches that if you have something to look forward to, a goal, you can work towards it and make life amazing.

I can't believe how awesome this movie was. Thought of it watching it for years but had always figured it for 'gang violence' movie more than anything else.. But what a movie.. one of Rock's earlier performances probably his best.. its like.. Remember the Titans meets The Longest Yard.. simply awesome! The characters are real and you get to 'meet' many of them during the end credits. It was shown at the end there is also a documentary that preceded this movie.. I will be sure to check that out as well.. Kudos to Sean Porter- the character played by the Rock.. a few correctional officers like him and the world may not even need correctional facilities.