Gracie (2007)

Yet another entry into the genre of "stand up and cheer" sports movies is Gracie. This time around, the sport is soccer. However, this film is a little more than just another sports film. Carly Schroeder stars as Grace "Gracie" Bowen.

At the Bowen house, the family lives, breathes and eats soccer 24/7. The focus of this effort is centered on the eldest child, Johnny, an athletically gifted high schooler that is the star soccer player, coached by his father (ably played by Dermot Mulroney) who is reliving his glory days. Tragically, Johnny is abruptly killed, and reasonably so, it effects the entire family.

As the Bowen family attempts to move on from their loss, Gracie, the sister, decides to play soccer and pick up right where her brother left off. This film chronicles the true story of the uphill battle that she faced, from her family, her friends and the school. Oh, I should mention that this took place in the 70's, and there was no girls soccer team so she was fighting to take the field with the boys.

As a child of the Seventies, I appreciated the soundtrack that used all time appropriate tunes. The props department also paid attention to details such as the 70's specific packaging of the Cornflakes and Gatorade. While neither is essential, it does go towards making a decent film better, and keeping the time setting authentic and believable.

The bottom line is that I enjoyed Gracie. It tells a story of fighting for equality, and moving on after tragedy. It's good drama, and a good sports movie, which are always a combination worth watching.

Overall Grade: B+

Reviewed by Jonas

Eye of the Dolphin (2006)

I'll readily admit that I've been a long time sucker for any dolphin movie. I've seen all the Flipper stuff, and even enjoyed The Day of the Dolphin. With that disclaimer, that I'm long overdo for a dolphin movie, I'll proceed with my review of Eye of the Dolphin.

The overall plot is rather formulaic, trite and been done many times before. Carly Schroeder ably portrays Alyssa, a troubled teen that is heading the wrong way after her mother's death. Her grandmother, Lucy (played by Katherine Ross, who has worked in "ABC After School Specials" and reprises that sort of role here) has her hands more than full. Alyssa's father, Dr. James Hawk (Dunbar), a struggling dolphin communication researcher in the Bahamas, has no idea that he even has a daughter. Eye of the Dolphin is about reconnecting with his daughter, and her maturing beyond her rebelliousness. In a way, this film reminds me of In the Land of Woman.

However, to write this off as just another family-friendly-formula-film would be an error. For starters, it's visually very well done. From the picturesque scenes of the Bahamas, to the stunning underwater photography, Eye of the Dolphin is stunning. For those of us that don't scuba dive, or haven't taken part in a dolphin experience, this may be the best we can do to see these remarkable animals.

As the film progresses, we see the parallels between Alyssa, the wild girl, and the wild dolphin that she befriends. Both need to come to an understanding to mature. We also see the relationship between father and daughter mature, and in the end, there is no doubt that she is a chip off the old block. Adding to the authenticity of the film is that they used the native Bahamians as extras throughout Eye of the Dolphin.

The bottom line is that this film is an enjoyable entry into the genre of "dolphin films." If you dream of a Caribbean vacation right from your armchair, than this film is for you. While it's nothing exceptional, Eye of the Dolphin is quite strong in many areas.

Overall Grade: B+

Reviewed by Jonas

See the trailer here.