forgiveness

Unfinished Business: The Inspiring True Story of Mike Flynt and The Senior

| Faith and Family Films

The Senior is more than just a sports film — it’s a powerful testament to courage, redemption, and the idea that it’s never too late to finish what life started. The movie tells the true story of Mike Flynt, a man who chased an unfinished dream nearly 40 years after it began.

Who Is Mike Flynt?

Mike Flynt was a standout high school linebacker in Odessa, Texas — part of the Permian High School team that won the state championship in 1965. He went on to play linebacker at Sul Ross State University and served as team captain, but his college football career ended abruptly before his senior season due to off-field trouble and disciplinary issues. That loss weighed on him for decades.

The Comeback at 59

In 2007, at 59 years old, Flynt did something almost no one believed he would: he returned to Sul Ross State to finish his college football career. A chance conversation with old teammates at a reunion challenged him to act on his regrets. After confirming he was still technically eligible, he walked on to the team, becoming one of the oldest college football players in NCAA history.

Instead of glory, his comeback was about redemption, grit, and purpose — proving age is no barrier to pursuing unfinished dreams.

From Real Life to the Big Screen

The film The Senior, directed by Rod Lurie and starring Michael Chiklis as Mike Flynt (with Mary Stuart Masterson as his wife Eileen), dramatizes this remarkable journey. At its heart, the story isn’t just about football — it’s about integrity, reconciliation, and family (themes that echo strongly if you watch the video about Mike’s story).

Through both heart-pounding gridiron scenes and quieter, emotional moments, The Senior invites audiences to reflect on:

  • What we would do for a second chance
  • The courage it takes to make peace with the past
  • How community, family, and faith can fuel a comeback

The tagline — it’s hard to believe it’s a true story — isn’t just a marketing line. It’s a challenge to every one of us: What dream have you set aside that’s still waiting to be pursued?

David Almgren – Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast

Home Run The Movie Hits Theaters Today!

| Faith and Family Films

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The long awaited release of the new baseball themed movie Home Run hits theaters across the nation today ( check the films web site for theater listings). Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and freedom are apart of America. Well freedom is also the central theme in this new theatrical release from Samuel Goldwyn Films. Home Run takes you on a journey of a man with a bright future, but is haunted by a troubled past. Home Run is a must see film that will entertain and inspire audiences and will also remind us all that there is hope in our  journey of life. There are multitudes who are living life without hope and their addictions have completely overtaken and ruined their lives. My hope is that this movie will not only entertain, but will cause many to look inside and deal with their hurts, habits and hang ups that are keeping many from experiencing FREEDOM!

PLEASE NOTE: The movie is rated PG13 and is for junior high and above. The movie deals with some challenging topics and is not a movie for younger children.

HERE IS A SYNOPSIS OF THE MOVIE FROM THE HOME RUN WEB SITE:

Baseball all-star Cory Brand knows what it takes to win in the big leagues. But off the field, with memories of his past haunting him, his life is spiraling out of control.

Hoping to save her client’s career and reputation after a DUI and a team suspension, Cory’s agent sends him back to the small town where he grew up. Forced to coach the local youth baseball team and spend eight weeks in the only recovery program in town, Cory can’t wait to return to his old life as quickly as possible.

As his young players help him experience the joy of the game, Cory discovers his need to find freedom from his past and hope for his future … and win back the love he left behind. With this unexpected second chance, Cory finds himself on a powerful journey of transformation and redemption.

Based on thousands of true stories, HOME RUN is a powerful reminder that with God, it’s never too late … freedom is possible.

Check out the Home Run Movie trailer and than buy a ticket and go see Home Run this weekend!

42 is a Must See Movie!!

| Faith and Family Films

ImageThis past week I had the chance to preview the new film called “42”. This is the story about Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. This is a film that engages and inspires you well beyond the credits.  I say this because of the multiple layers in the movie and the fact that the movie is based upon a true story. The acting was superb and allowed you to become invested in the characters. The film is cut well, has high production value and the story keeps you engaged throughout the entire 128 minutes. This film is part love story, a lesson in over coming adversity, an inspirational story and a history lesson that leaves you thinking beyond the credits about the man, his mission and commitment to do things right.

I have to say I have followed baseball over the years and have been very familiar with Jackie Robinson and his life in baseball. Or at least I thought I did . . . But there are a few things that I learned from this film regarding the era, Jackie, his life and his convictions.

42 is a must see movie that will inspire you to do what is right. Challenge you to stand up for what you believe in and motivate you to stay the course.   Jackie Robinson is truly an American legend who changed baseball and also challenge the nation to make a change in the right direction regarding race.  I overheard some younger people in the audience that stated “who is Jackie Robinson?” I would imagine there are many from younger generations that are being introduced to Jackie and his story for the very first time. Mr Robinson is the kind of hero that we need today. Thank you Warner Brothers for telling the story and thank you Jackie for your example and staying the course!!

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About the movie:
“42” based on a true story of two men-Jackie Robinson, the baseball great who broke the Major League color barrier, and Branch Rickey, the iconic Brooklyn Dodger GM who brought Robinson to the team. Their brave stand against racism forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. “Your enemy will be out in force, but you cannot meet him on his own low ground”……..”I want a player who’s got the guts not to fight back.”- Branch Rickey

Cast:
Harrison Ford (Branch Rickey), Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson), Nicole Beharie (Rachel Robinson), Christopher Meloni (Leo Durocher), Lucas Black (Pee Wee Reese)

Release Date:
4/12/2013

Rating:
PG-13

Running Time:
128 minutes