Movie Review: Overcomer

Movie Review: Overcomer

Pastor Bob Tousey

The Kendrick brothers hit another out of the park grand slam with this movie. I saw it with my 12-year-old granddaughter, Gabby during the Thursday night pre-opening and we both enjoyed it. We do, however, recommend that you bring a box of tissues as several scenes brought tears to both of our eyes.

Overcomer is a story of overcoming obstacles as well as redemption, grace and forgiveness. The movie starts of with a hopeful high school coach, John Harrison played by Alex Kendrick, and his basketball team being confident of winning the state championship next season. However, an announcement that the town’s primary employer will be closing the local plant quickly dashes that dream as many of the school’s families including those of key basketball players, are forced to move to find work.

The once hopeful basketball coach becomes the reluctant coach of the school’s cross-country team. The coach does not even like cross-country but is encouraged to take on the new role by the school’s principal who does not want to cancel another program.

After agreeing to assume this new duty the coach is disappointed when only one student, Hannah Scott shows up for tryouts, and as it turns out Hannah is asthmatic. With the help of his family, a newfound friend and Hannah’s relentless commitment, Coach Harrison, embraces the challenge. As other students hear about Hannah story, she begins to attract a strong cheering squad at her competitions.

As Hannah begins to grow in her athletic ability she also grows in her faith and accepts Jesus Christ as her Savior.  While Hannah improves her athletic talents throughout the movie, she continues to fall short of a win. Then comes the biggest race in Hannah’s life where she comes from behind to close the race neck and neck with the race’s favorite. They finished with identical times and the race had to be reviewed for a winner to be declared. I’ll let you watch the movie to find out if Hannah pulled off an amazing upset. This is a must see movie and will be enjoyed by people of all ages.