Overcomer (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Sony 
Release Date: December 17, 2019
Rating: PG
Film: 4.5/5

Plot
Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison (Kendrick) after he loses his basketball team and is challenged by the school’s principal, Olivia (Shirer), to coach a new sport he doesn’t know or like. As John questions his own worth, he dares to help the least likely runner take on the biggest race of the year. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, humor and heart, this inspirational story will have you on the edge of your seat.
 
My Thoughts
I went to Catholic school up through the fifth grade and while I do believe in a higher being, I’m not one to embrace organized religion—especially growing up Catholic and seeing how the church has behaved the last 80+ years when it comes to their tolerance of the Nazi’s in WWII, the raping of nuns in Africa, and don’t even get me started on the child abuse scandal. So, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a fan of faith-based movies. When I received the press release for this film, I thought I’d give it a try since its based on a sport and I generally like inspirational stories.
 
In the end, I’m glad I requested it because I found the film to be extremely entertaining, uplifting, and the production value is through the roof. The acting is more than competent, and the story is something that I think the majority of the general public could relate to. In fact, if the film’s creators could have skipped some of the proselytizing, it could have been a first-rate mainstream film, but that’s not what they were intending. Generally speaking, they kept the religious element to a minimum for most of the film and I wasn’t turned off by it by any means, because their prayers for help fit into the narrative. 
 
Video 4.5/5 

Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)

Special Features:

• The Heart for Overcomer
• Creating the Opening Drone Shot
• Working with the Kendricks
• Looks Behind-the-Scenes
• “Enough” Featuring Koryn Hawthorne
• Don’t Mess with the Editors
• Feature Commentary
• Bloopers & Outtakes
• 10 Minutes of Additional Scenes
• The Making of Overcomer
• The Theme of Identity
• The Power of Forgiveness
• “Overcomer” (Lip Sync Music Video) Featuring Mandisa
• Overcomer in 60 Seconds
• Overcomer Resources Video
• Blu-ray+ Digital Copy

Conclusion
Don’t let the faith-based aspect of this film turn you away from a wonderful story about a young girl looking to set herself on the right path and the people who are there to assist her in her journey. We watched this one as a family and everyone enjoyed it, even my cynical 21-year-old. Highly recommended.

Reference Review System:
 
 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (stacked)
Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner