Friday Night Lights
(Universal)

And while we’re on the subject, as sports films go, you can’t do much better than Friday Night Lights. Based on a true story about a small Texas town’s infatuation with the local high school football team and their determination to win the state playoffs, FNL deals with themes of hope, courage and determination. Billy Bob Thornton gives one of the best performances of his career as the beleaguered coach being pressured to win the championship title by parents, fellow faculty and local townsfolk and country singer Tim McGraw makes his acting debut (a la Dwight Yoakam) as an abusive father, demonstrating that he can do more than look good in a Stetson. The camera work is top-notch and places you right in the center of the action. Bonus features include the history of the 1988 Permian Panthers, the “player cam” and a look at McGraw’s new acting career. -- David Bassin