Too poignant for a jail flick

Based on the true story of Sean Porter, 'Gridiron Gang' chronicles the workings of a detention camp probation officer who starts a football program in a youth jail. In his pursuit, Porter had to overcome disapproval from all sides: his superiors, coaches of opposing football teams, and even the community at large. Ultimate ly, his program was successful -- so much so that a documentary was made in 1992 detailing his exploits with his youth prisoner football team (Clips of the documentary are shown during the closing credits).\nInitially, there is little in the way of a plot setup. We are quickly introduced to a future inmate, Willy Withers (Jade Yorker), as he commits the crime that will lead to his incarceration. Then, within the first 10 minutes, Porter ("The Rock," doing his best motivational speaker impression), along with his co-worker Malcolm Moore (Xzibit), has assembled his football team. While the football team is the focus of the film, subplots revolve around gang feuds, personal insecurities, and inmates' interactions with the "outside."\nOne major feud involves Withers and rival gang member Kelvin Owens (David Thomas), both of whom went on to play organized football following their releases. The two hate each other at the outset, but as the team plays on and starts to develop the winning attitude that Porter instills, the two inmates instinctively begin to put the team first.\nIt is hard to say whether this film attempts to be didactic, because although it does portray the nice little message that hard work and determination can turn any criminal around, the film is almost too overtly emotional to provide any life lessons. For instance, there are countless moments when Porter goes to talk with one of his inmate players, and immediately the moving symphony music kicks on, almost too obviously. Though director Phil Joanou does well at allowing the viewer to feel for his characters, he lays it on thick. \n"Gridiron Gang" is made out to be a cross between an inspirational sports motif and a street crime drama, but it certainly leads towards the former. While it tries to mix in some humor, albeit unsuccessfully, the film will generate sentiment for any soft-at-heart. And if "The Rock" finds that his movie career is coming to an end, 'Gridiron' proves that he will have a bright future giving motivational speeches to troubled high school kids.