“The Playbook,” based on a true story, does a fine job demonstrating that God is with those who go through times of sorrow and pain. Mick Preston does a terrific job playing Steven Thomas, an Aussie high school basketball coach who is a committed Christian and husband and father. His son Jackson (nicknamed Jax) wants his independence and feels that his father is preaching at him all the time. Jax convinces his father that he is ready to stretch his wings and that he can be trusted. His father allows him to attend a party with the warning that he will be tempted to drink because alcohol will probably be there. Jax comes to the aid of his friend Cody when Cody gets into a fight.
On Christmas day, Jax wants to leave following dinner to hang with Cody and his family. Steven permits it. When Jax attempts to reach Steven later that evening to come pick him up, Steven is asleep. Cody’s drunken father attempts to take Jax home and this results in tragedy.
Soon Steven is riddled with guilt and grief, and in anger turns from the very God he preached to his son about. Can time heal the wound and allow Steven to forgive the man responsible for his greatest loss? This compelling story is awarded our “Faith-Friendly” 12+ Seal. The movie makes a statement about good coming from bad, and its themes of forgiveness and endurance are stirring.