Preview Movie Review

Hoovey
PG
Entertainment: +3
Acceptability: +3

Lauren Holly (NCIS, Picket Fences) Patrick Warburton (Emperor’s New Groove, Men in Black II), Cody Linley (Hannah Montana). Directed by Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Space Warriors). To be given a limited release 1/30/15.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Based on a true story, this faith-based teen-aimed drama concerns a close-knit family dealing with their high school basketball-playing son’s discovery that he has a brain tumor. The theme: life can change in an instant - how do we deal with adversity?

Hoovey is the first film produced entirely by EchoLight Studios, a faith and family film company led by CEO Rick Santorum. It will release through the Studios’ unique church-based distribution model, EchoLight Cinemas.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Though as familiar as a sports movie (oh, yeah, it is a sports movie), this one has some compelling moments, it’s witty, well-acted (great to see Patrick Warburton given a role with dimension), and it’s nicely produced – especially for teenagers who will more quickly take to the background music.

The formulaic film presents an affirming character arc, we’re shown positive family relationships, and the need for faith is exalted. And, as I said, it’s a sports movie, with the team making sure we know there is no “I” in TEAM.

It’s moving, entertaining and spiritually uplifting.

Rated PG, I found nothing objectionable. Little children may be disturbed by the brief scenes featuring the prep for brain surgery.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: EchoLight Studios

Summary
Crude Language: None
Obscene Language: None
Profanity: None
Violence: Aggressive basketball game, with one teen with attitude having to learn life lessons.
Sexual Intercourse: None
Nudity: None
Homosexual Conduct: None
Sexually Suggestive Action/Dialog: None
Drug Abuse: None
Other: None
Running Time: 90 minutes
Intended Audience: Older kids and up