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Five for Families: Football films worth cheering for
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"Little Giants" - photo by Caresa Alexander Randall
Here are five movies from various platforms families may want to consider as recommended by Ok.com. Because not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations are included.

Super Bowl 50 is here! Whether you're a Panthers fan, a Broncos fan or neither, your family can cheer for some winning football films that carry great messages about sportsmanship and determination. Here are five football films for families to consider.

iTunes: 'Little Giants'

A group of misfit children forms its own football team after they are rejected to play for the local football team. Rick Moranis plays the inept coach who only wants to give his daughter and other overlooked kids a chance. But he must compete against his older brother, an ex-football star who is intent on winning the state pee wee football playoffs. Common Sense Media notes "Little Giants" "carries a good message, and kids will enjoy it." Movieguide.org recognizes the "talented cast led by Rick Moranis" and states the movie is "filled with extremely positive themes of courage, honor and teamwork." The film is rated PG for kids' rude language and pranks. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older

Amazon Instant: 'The Blind Side'

The Blind Side tells of football player Michael Oher, who was a homeless teen until a family took him in and helped him realize his potential. (After an All-American career at Ole Miss, Oher is now in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and will play in Sunday's Super Bowl). PluggedIn praised the film for focusing less on football and more on the massive impact people can have in other peoples lives, adding, Issues of class, race and family are all enthusiastically grappled with and the good guys doggedly work their way to the end zone. It is rated PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 12 and older.

Netflix: 'Radio'

Based on a real story, a high school football coach befriends a developmentally challenged man nicknamed Radio. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its Dove "Family-Approved" seal for ages 12 and over, calling the film "an inspiring picture about a life lived to do good for others and the difference that one person can make." The film is rated, PG for mild language and thematic elements. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.

iTunes: 'We Are Marshall'

In November 1970, most of the football team and coaching staff of Marshall University died in a plane crash. Based on the real-life story, the film follows the community as they deal with the loss. Parent Previews notes "the story focuses on teamwork, the meaning of success" and that "winning means more than the points on the scoreboard." The film is rated PG for emotional thematic material, a crash scene and mild language. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 9 and older.

Amazon Instant: 'Invincible'

"Invincible" follows the true story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old substitute teacher and part-time bartender. After his teaching job is eliminated, his wife gives up on him and leaves a note saying he will never amount to anything. The Philadelphia Eagles holds open tryouts and against the odds, Papale makes the team. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its Dove "Family-Approved" seal for ages 12 and over, calling it a film "well worth seeing." The film is rated PG for sports action and some mild language. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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