Gridiron Grind

Despite having a rough time playing football in the past, Riley Brooks (Naomi Brooks) has decided to rejoin the team and help her team and Coach Peterson (Bo Yokely) to win their first state championship. But to get there, she's going to have to fight the administration, sexist players, the sibling rivalry she has with her sister Tyler (Elshaday Aredo) and her inability to truly be herself. Directed by Kevin Arbouet and written by Jade N. Richard-Craven, this film has plenty of heart. I really enjoyed how Riley's father Ronald (Keith Arthur Bolden) encouraged her and how her mother Dr. Candace Brooks (Sharon Leal) came to respect her daughter's choices and ability. Most of all, I liked Mirella Cardoso as Riley's love interest, Paige Morales. The film does not shy away from the way players treat Riley nor does it absolve her from acting just like one of the guys. That said, the relationship that she builds with Paige feels honest. Gridiron Grind moves quick, tells a story that may just inspire you and has a lot to say about growing up, fitting in - or not - and trying to understand others. It does it in a way that doesn't feel like preaching or stand in the way of an entertaining sports story, too.

Touching story with many good moments of true teenager angst. Riley's transformation from a slightly motivated teen who does not have anything with passion, to a kid pushing boundaries towards doing something she loves. Her Dad taught her how to do a one-on-one tackle - but what Riley began was the journey to start to believe in herself. Liked that football was one of a few challenges faced by Riley, sibling rivalry, and emerging sexuality, and the film handles Riley's journey of self-discovery with class and charm. The football scenes are good, and the expected scenes of bullying add to the story of believing in yourself often includes people standing up for her - which helped teach Riley to reach for the stars. Nice enjoyable film.