On Friday, Flora’s Friday Film showed Friday Night Lights, a 2004 sports drama film which depicts a high school football team in Odessa, Texas fighting its way to the state championship game amidst many obstacles.  Although the movie centered around football, I found that much of the movie can be applied to many other situations.  

For example, the movie shows how one’s attitude has a huge effect on whether the desired outcome can be reached.  In the movie, superstar quarterback Boobie Miles is severely injured shortly before the regular season was ending.  The entire town is dismayed at the news of his unclear future for the season and wonders how the team could possibly go on and win without its star player.  Coach Gaines does not let the media coverage affect him, as he works to make the best of the current situation.  The team goes on to make it to the playoffs after Gaines has the players make an attitude adjustment.  Gaines also says that a bad attitude can cause you to be your own enemy.  

One of Coach Gaines’ quotes struck me during the movie regarding perfection.  He says that perfection is not about the scoreboard, but rather “being able to look your friends in the eye and know you did everything you could not to let them down.”  Gaines exemplifies this by trying his best each game to secure a win while being able to adjust after tough losses.  This quote is so important in life because so many people worry about trying to be “perfect” according to their own definitions.  With perseverance, people can try their best to achieve what Gaines calls “perfection.”  

Overall, I enjoyed this movie, especially the perfect timing with the Super Bowl.  I look forward to watching more inspiring movies like this one later this semester.