"Gracie"

Dermot Mulroney
Elisabeth Shue
Carly Schroeder
John Doman
Andrew Shue
Peter McRobbie
Leslie Lyles
Jesse Lee Soffer




PG13           96min           2007


Meet Gracie Browen – 15-year-old girl who’s determined to play varsity soccer… on the boy’s team! But when her school forbids her to play and even her family questions her ability, Gracie sets out to prove them all wrong. Fighting to change school policy and facing off against some of the toughest competitors on the field, Gracie must summon the courage to finally show everyone that a girl with a dream can do absolutely anything! – from the back coverGracie

Inspired by the events of the Shue family "Gracie" is truly an inspirational film about triumphing from societies biases, finding your inter-spirit and courage. Carly Schroeder is truly the breakout star of this ensemble film.

Taking place in 1978, at a time when soccer was considered a boys’ sport, I consider soccer now to be dominated by girls now. What a difference 30 years makes. This is a great example of finding the strength to change the view of society. Gracie is a strong willed young girl, with the courage that parents want their children to become.

"Gracie" has an ensemble cast telling a story that can be embrace by anyone. Dermot Mulroney plays a dad disconnected from his family after the death of his star athletic son. Elisabeth Shue is the mother just trying to connect with her daughter as she feels she’s losing her to the family sport, soccer. It’s Carly Schroeder that is the breakout star of this cast.

At first I thought she looked familiar then I realized that she was the little girl that played Serena on the soap operas ‘Port Charles’ and ‘General Hospital’ during the 90’s. She is amazing as Gracie. She not only brings the acting side but she performs the physical side also. It helped to sell me that this is a girl fighting, training and truly deserves to play with the boys.

"Gracie" is a film in the vain of “Miracle” and “Bend It Like Beckham”, films that will inspire feelings of hope, courage and strength. It gave me a tingle of the spine. It you didn’t catch it at the movie then you should go out and get it as soon as you can.

It has two commentaries one with Davis Guggenheim and one with Elisabeth & Andrew Shue. It has a feature about ‘Bringing Gracie to Film’. There is also a theatrical trailer. It has movie previews for “Raise Your Voice” and “Dare to Dream”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.