Just how important is high school football in the state of Texas?

To some small Texas towns it is almost a religion.

Friday Night Lights does an incredible job of capturing every aspect of how the town of Odessa comes alive once a week during the fall.

Most small town’s stand behind their high school football teams, but there, football isn’t just a game, it is life. Players residing in this small town live in the hopes of winning a State Championship, not only for the title, but for their one and only chance to make it out of Odessa. The ongoing pressure from parents, fans, coaches, boosters, and the town’s people bring this movie to life.

Based on the book about high school football by H.G. Bissinger, Friday Night Lights records an entire 1988 season of the Permian High Panthers of Odessa, Texas. Billy Bob Thornton stars as head coach Gary Gaines, who struggles to manage a successful team, while also handling demands from the town. Tim McGraw portrays an alcoholic father, trying to relive his glory days through his son, in hope that his son’s life will be better than his own.

Football fan or not, this movie will captivate you. You will actually feel the struggle and pain these young players experience. From bone crunching scenes to tear jerking sorrow felt for the young athletes, this is a movie that could be enjoyed by all. It demonstrates how important sports can be in the lives of people, while also showing the importance of not relying on just one talent for success.

This movie is a must for high school athletes, coaches, and parents to see. While many scenes may be more over exaggerated than what some player’s experience, it will compel you to think about the actual significance of high school sports and to what extent sports should be a priority in a teenager’s life.

McGraw’s acting was so good, you don’t think of him as anything but the character he plays… and you hate him! As for Billy Bob Thornton’s role as Coach Gaines, he was exciting and was heartwarming at times.

Overall, on a scale of one to five, I give Friday Night Lights a five. It is definitely one football movie that is a must see.