Movie Review: The 5th Quarter
Introduction
The
5th Quarter was released to select theaters on March 25, 2011. To find a
theater near you visit
www.the5thquartermovie.com. The film is based on the touching true story
of the Abbate family. It is a story of faith and football. The story shows
how this family's tragic loss was transformed into a triumph honoring the
memory of 15 year old Luke Abbate.
Storyline
On February 13, 2006 their lives were changed when Luke and four lacrosse teammates were heading home after practice. The teenage driver, a friend of Luke's, was showing off and speeding when he lost control and crashed off a 70-foot embankment. Still alive Luke was air lifted to the hospital where he died two days later from a massive brain injury. Luke was an advocate for being an organ donor, after long talks about the pros and cons the family decided to honor Luke's wishes and donate his organs. It turns out that decision helped five people have better lives. One of which was a mother with a young daughter that the Abbate family later got to meet. Luke and his brother Jon shared a love for football. After Luke's death Jon questioned ever playing again, but when he decided to play for two in honor of his little brother all doubts were gone. Jon asked his coach if he could change his jersey number to 5 because that was Luke's number. The number 5 plays an important role for the family as they continue to honor Luke. Jon inspired the entire Wake Forest football team to push themselves harder than ever before. Wake Forest was predicted to finish last in their division, but with Jon's drive and motivation leading them, they not only won games, but the championship.
Behind the movie
The 5th Quarter starts with the tragic accident that took the life of 15 year old Luke Abbate. The talented cast worked closely with the Abbate family to portray the true story of their life. Steven, the father, was played by Aidan Quinn (Desperately Seeking Susan, Legends of the Fall), Maryanne, the mother was played by Andie MacDowell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Groundhog Day), Jon, one of Luke's older brothers, played by Ryan Merriman (Final Destination 3, Home of the Giants), Luke's other brother, Adam played by Matt McGrath, and Luke's sister, Rachel played by Mandy Manis.
Conclusion 
The 5th Quarter is an outstanding story of how the Abbate's faith brought them hope, but their love for each other and Luke is what brought them closer together. This amazing story is hoped to bring awareness of the dangers facing teenage drivers and how important organ donors are to those whose lives they save. The family started The Luke Abbate 5th Quarter Foundation to help with the awareness. Find out more at www.lukeabbate5thquarter.org.
Related Pages
Reviews by Dana Chaffin
More Dana Chaffin Movie Reviews at Certain Cinema Magazine
- Without a Father
- Miracle of the Widow
- The Whisper Home
- Bringing up Bobby
- Soul Surfer
- The Grace Card
- The 5th Quarter
- As We Forgive
- Rust: A mystery of faith
- Lord Save Us From Your Followers
- Letters to God
- Jake's Corner
- Saving Melanie
- To Save a Life
- Treasure Blind
- Saving God: One Soul at a Time
- Thou Shalt Laugh 4
- The River Within
- Fountain of Youth
- Fern Hill
- Clancy
- C Me Dance
- Malatya
- The Widow’s Might
- Mandie and the Secret Tunnel
- Set Apart
- The Lost & Found Family
http://www.godandscience.org/movies/5th_quarter.html
Last Modified March 30, 2011
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