Finding The Way Back – Movie Review
ABC Film Challenge – High School/College Movies – W (Way Back)
Director: Gavin O’Connor (Warrior)
Writer: Brad Ingelsby (Screenplay)
Cast
- Ben Affleck (Air)
- Al Madrigal (Night School)
- Janina Gavankar (Borderlands)
- Michaela Watkins (Werewolves within)
- Brandon Wilson (Pele Birth of a Legend)
Plot: Jack Cunningham was a high school basketball phenom who walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Years later, when he reluctantly accepts a coaching job at his alma mater, he may get one last shot at redemption.
Runtime: 1 Hour 48 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Finding The Way Back starts when former hot shot basketball star Jack (Affleck) gets offered a chance to help his former high school. He has his problems with drinking and his life hasn’t gone the way he imagined. However, he reluctantly accepts the job and starts taking on the coaching role.
As Jack gets to know his players, he starts learning about their troubled lives and working toward helping them. He identifies the best players and learns more about their personal lives, bringing out the best in the team.
Verdict on Finding The Way Back
Finding The Way Back is a sports drama following a grieving man with addiction who is offered a chance to coach his old high school basketball team. However, his personal problems start getting in the way despite him improving the team as they aim for their first championship.
This drama shows how people can inspire the best in people, even if they are fighting with their own grief. It also highlights how important it is to try and discuss grief if you are ever going to move on in life. While other movies might hit the more typical approach to recovery. This puts more focus on the challenges to get there in the first place. Ben Affleck is wonderful in the leading role and we get the importance of his character’s story.
Where to Watch
Final Thoughts – Finding The Way Back is a brave take on dealing with grief.
