A short while back you may have seen the post about Basketball movies to celebrate the release of Finding The Way Back (The Way Back) starring Ben Affleck, so today I’m bringing you my thoughts on the film that is out now on Digital, DVD and Blu-ray from Warner Bros. Pictures.
Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) was a High School basketball phenom who walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Years later, when he reluctantly accepts a coaching job at his alma mater, he may get one last shot at redemption.
First of all I have to say that the thought of a film based around basketball wasn’t something that appealed to me on first hearing about Finding The Way Back, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the film and how powerful not only the performances were but the story and feel of the film.
This is a movie that is one that you can sit back with and take in the story and how Affleck’s character’s life took a turn after his Basketball career ended, but he has the chance to come back when he is asked to coach the school team which hasn’t won any games in such a long time.
Fighting his demons of drink, Cunningham (Affleck) takes on the task to try and bring the team together to be a winning team, along the way he still fights those demons and occasionally falls.
Finding The Way Back is a great story of the under-dog becoming triumphant, the production of the film works very well and it does have a slight Indie feel to it, but that works well throughout the film, the cinematography looks good through the day and night scenes that make it easy on the eyes to watch.
But what it really boils down to in the film and one that keeps you glued is the brilliant performance from Ben Affleck, you feel for his character as you learn more about him through the film and you can see the passion and experience from his own demos that Affleck brings to the role of Cunningham.
For me I think this is one of the better performances that I’ve seen Affleck in for a while, Finding The Way Back is a gritty and emotional drama from Brad Ingelsby that while watching I kept thinking of Bleed For This, which was another movie I really enjoyed.
This is a movie that is not only about one man’s journey to confront his demons and have a reason to heal from his past, but also a film that shows how we can change our lives and move ahead.
A powerful performance from Ben Affleck
Movie title: Finding The Way Back
Movie description: Jack Cunningham was an HS basketball phenom who walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Years later, when he reluctantly accepts a coaching job at his alma mater, he may get one last shot at redemption.
Date published: October 12, 2020
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 48min
Director(s): Gavin O'Connor
Actor(s): Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Janina Gavankar
Genre: Drama, Sport
Summary
Finding The Way Back has a powerful and very watchable performance from Ben Affleck.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
