Gracie Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Teen girl loses her soccer-star brother, so naturally, she decides to join the boys’ team in the 70s despite everyone, especially her dad, thinking girls are too delicate for kicking a ball.

🍿 Gracie: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Family Obsessed with Soccer

Set in South Orange, New Jersey, in 1978, the Bowen family lives and breathes soccer. Teenage Gracie has three brothers, including star player Johnny, and a former soccer-star father, Bryan. Despite her passion, Gracie is discouraged from playing competitively, with only Johnny offering support and encouragement.

Tragedy Strikes the Bowens

Just after a crucial game against a rival high school, a devastating car accident claims the life of Johnny Bowen. The family is plunged into deep grief, and the vibrant soccer culture within the home begins to fade.

Gracie’s Determination to Play

In the wake of her brother’s death, Gracie decides she will take Johnny’s place on the high school boys’ varsity soccer team. This announcement is met with skepticism and outright ridicule from her father and younger brothers, who doubt her capability and toughness.

Fighting for the Opportunity

Facing resistance from her family, teammates, and the school, Gracie becomes determined to prove her worth. She begins training rigorously alone, attempting to gain the strength and skill needed to compete with the boys. Her struggle highlights the limited opportunities for female athletes in the late 1970s.

Navigating Personal Struggles and Opposition

As Gracie trains, she also grapples with grief, academic probation, and a brief period of rebellious behavior. She dates the team captain, Kyle, who initially treats her poorly. Her fight extends to the school board, where she argues for the right to try out, supported by her mother’s emotional plea.

A Glimmer of Hope and Continued Challenges

After a compelling school board hearing, Gracie is granted permission to try out for the boys’ team. Despite surviving the grueling cuts and demonstrating skill, she is initially placed on the junior varsity squad. This, coupled with her father being offered a coaching job she feels is tied to her efforts, leads her to momentarily quit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gracie Bowen (Carly Schroeder): The determined teenage girl who fights to play on the boys’ varsity soccer team after her brother’s death.
• Bryan Bowen (Dermot Mulroney): Gracie’s former soccer star father who initially discourages her but eventually trains and supports her dream.
• Lindsay Bowen (Elisabeth Shue): Gracie’s supportive mother who offers emotional encouragement during her daughter’s uphill battle to play soccer.
• Johnny Bowen (Jesse Lee Soffer): Gracie’s older brother and star soccer player whose tragic death serves as a catalyst for her pursuit of playing.
• Kyle Rhodes (Christopher Shand): The captain of the boys’ soccer team who initially opposes Gracie playing and represents some of the obstacles she faces.
• Coach Owen Clark (Andrew Shue): The high school soccer coach who ultimately grants Gracie the opportunity to try out and join the team.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Johnny Bowen: “Take your time… you can do anything.” – Johnny says this to Gracie early in the film while coaching her on a soccer kick, instilling a sense of belief in her potential.
• Bryan Bowen: “It’s this simple. You’re not tough enough. They’re gonna cream you.” – Gracie’s father says this dismissively when she initially expresses her desire to play on the boys’ team, highlighting his doubts and the societal barriers she faces.
• Lindsay Bowen: “She’s fierce… She loves to win. She loves competing.” – Gracie’s mother passionately describes her daughter’s character during the school board hearing to argue for Gracie’s right to try out for the team.
• Bryan Bowen: “Quit because you’re not good enough, but don’t quit because you got your feelings hurt.” – Gracie’s father tells her this during a pivotal moment after she makes the JV team but is bitter about the circumstances, urging her to face the challenge head-on.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,956,339
• Worldwide Gross: $3,826,568

💥 Gracie Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Gracie expecting a straightforward sports flick, but it turned out to be much more of a family drama about dealing with loss and finding your own path. Carly Schroeder is fantastic as Gracie; you really feel her frustration and drive. There were definitely moments that hit hard, like watching her try to prove herself against the boys who just laughed or that gut-wrenching scene where her dad initially dismisses her dream. It wasn’t always an easy watch, dealing with the family’s grief, but the way Gracie channels her pain into pursuing soccer felt incredibly powerful. It really made me think about how different things were for female athletes not that long ago. The soundtrack was a major bonus, totally transported me back to the 70s. Overall, I left feeling really uplifted by her determination.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of inspirational sports movies”
  • “Those interested in stories about female athletes breaking barriers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate family dramas dealing with loss”
  • “Soccer enthusiasts”
  • “Audiences who enjoy coming-of-age stories set in the 1970s”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Dealing with death and grief”
  • “Brief suggestive sexual content (PG-13 rating)”
  • “Scenes depicting physical aggression in sports”

Professional Reviews

• Indie Spotlight: “Gracie delivers a solid, earnest sports drama that transcends its familiar setup. Carly Schroeder is a revelation, capturing Gracie’s determination and vulnerability with authenticity. The film’s strength lies in its focus on the grueling process of training and facing systemic hurdles, making the eventual triumphs feel hard-earned and genuinely moving. While the ending is somewhat predictable, the journey is compelling.
• Film Fanatic Daily: “While the core story inspired by the Shue family is touching, Gracie struggles to maintain consistency. The performances are heartfelt, particularly Carly Schroeder’s central turn and Dermot Mulroney as the complex father. However, the plot often feels formulaic, and some character shifts are abrupt. It’s a film with its heart in the right place, offering genuine emotional moments, but it doesn’t fully escape sports movie clichés.
• Movie Maven: “Despite a promising premise rooted in a true story, Gracie falters. The acting feels uneven, and the script often relies on dry dialogue and predictable arcs. The film attempts to balance grief and empowerment but doesn’t quite land either with full impact. While it aims for inspiration, it frequently drags, lacking the punch and emotional depth needed to make its underdog narrative truly soar.

Audience Reactions

Viewers found Gracie’s perseverance and underdog journey deeply inspiring.: Many appreciated the film’s focus on the challenges faced by female athletes in the 1970s and the realistic portrayal of family grief.

The performances, especially Carly Schroeder as Gracie, were frequently highlighted as strong and believable.: The blend of sports action, family drama, and historical context resonated with a broad audience.

Overall Consensus: Gracie is generally seen as a heartfelt and inspiring sports drama, praised for its strong lead performance and depiction of overcoming obstacles, although some viewers found it predictable or uneven.

Awards

1. Heartland Film Festival (Truly Moving Picture Award)- 2007

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie is inspired by events in the life of actress Elisabeth Shue (who also stars as Gracie’s mother), including her experience playing soccer with boys while growing up in South Orange, New Jersey, the film’s setting.”
• “The film was a family affair for the Shue siblings: Elisabeth Shue co-produced and starred, her brother Andrew Shue (a former professional soccer player) co-produced and played Coach Owen Clark, and Elisabeth’s husband, Davis Guggenheim, directed the film.”
• “A dedication to Elisabeth and Andrew Shue’s deceased brother, William, appears at the beginning of the film, as the story touches upon the themes of grief and carrying on a sibling’s legacy.”
• “Filming took place on location in South Orange and Maplewood, New Jersey, the actual towns where Elisabeth and Andrew Shue grew up.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gracie?

Find where to watch ‘Gracie’ (2007) by searching major streaming platforms. It is typically available for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video and others. Check your preferred digital storefront for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gracie, you might like these similar films:

• Bend It Like Beckham (2002): Similar coming-of-age story about a young woman who defies cultural expectations and societal norms to pursue her passion for soccer.
• Rudy (1993): An inspirational sports drama about an underdog who lacks natural talent but possesses immense determination and heart to play football for his dream school.
• Breaking Away (1979): Set around the same late 1970s era, this film is a coming-of-age story about working-class teenagers, featuring a focus on cycling as a sport and aspirations against social backdrop.
• King Richard (2021): Focuses on a determined father coaching his daughters to overcome immense odds and societal barriers to succeed in a demanding sport, echoing the father-daughter dynamic and theme of perseverance.
• The Bad News Bears (1976): A gritty, often cynical, yet ultimately heartwarming cult classic about a coach leading a ragtag group of underdog youth baseball players in the 1970s, capturing a specific era and underdog sports spirit.

🛒 Gracie Related Products

• Gracie DVD or Blu-ray: Own the inspiring movie ‘Gracie’ on physical media. Relive the journey of Gracie Bowen’s fight for her dream and family’s healing any time.
• Vintage 1970s Rock Compilation Album: A collection of iconic rock hits from the 1970s, capturing the era’s sound and energy, similar to the movie’s soundtrack.
• Women’s Soccer History Book: Explore the real history of women’s soccer and the fight for equality in sports, providing context for Gracie’s struggles.
• Soccer Ball – Classic Style: A durable soccer ball, perfect for practicing skills like Gracie. Available in various sizes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gracie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Funk #49” – performed by James Gang
• “Don’t Look Back” – performed by Boston
• “Growing Up” – performed by Bruce Springsteen
• “None” – performed by Blondie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Wheels on the Bus | Gracie’s Corner | Nursery Rhymes + Kids Songs

Cars is all about things that go, right? Check out this super popular ‘Wheels on the Bus’ song – it’s got over 100 million views and is a total jam for little ones who love vehicles!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Qo-rVRdDGIA

Apples and Bananas Song | Learning Vowels with Gracie’s Corner | Nursery Rhymes + Kids Songs

Did you know learning vowels can be as fun as watching talking cars? This ‘Apples and Bananas’ song is a massive hit and great for kids learning their sounds – it’s really catchy!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9yt2Dki5aVk

Months of the Year | English and Spanish by Gracie’s Corner | Nursery Rhymes + Kids Songs

If your little Cars fan needs a fun brain break, this catchy song about the months of the year is a fantastic choice! It’s educational, teaches in English and Spanish, and really popular.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_j0ZjPO4Si0

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star | Remix by Gracie’s Corner | Nursery Rhymes + Kids Songs

Even speedsters need to look up at the sky sometimes! This ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ remix is super sweet with positive messages, and tons of kids love this version – it’s got a great beat!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=2h2PBM_SOpw

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