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Plot Summary
James Van Der Beek stars in this sports themed romantic drama. A fiercely competitive rower who fails to make the Olympic team, takes a coaching job for a local school's crew team. Sparks fly.
Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
28%- Reviews Counted: 18
- Fresh: 5
- Rotten: 13
- Average Rating: 4.6/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Rotten: Pairing a dull romance with an even duller sport (at least as represented here), this cliche-ridden vanity project is more suited to the ABC Family channel than to the inside of a movie theater.
Rotten: Passably pleasant but thoroughly predictable.
Rotten: Subplots are introduced only to be resolved within minutes, characters jettisoned at a moment's notice.
Rotten: The neatness of the plotting becomes almost comical after a while. Construction is one thing; contrivance is another.
Customer Reviews
Can't go wrong
Any movie pertaining to rowing is one you can't go wrong with. Two thumbs up from one rower to another..:)
Awsome
My Boat is in this movie, they came to film us at our boathouse and a race as extras.
Charming film for the entire family
Backwards is a charming, upbeat story with heart and substance. Whether you're a sports aficionado, a fan of romantic comedy or a devotee of James Van Der Beek, you'll find something to love. Plus, it is just so refreshing to see such a solid female cast - led by the talented Sarah Megan Thomas in her big screen debut.
Backwards is "Bend it Like Beckham" for rowing. It brings excitement and dramatic tension to the often unappreciated rigors of this sport. After watching the exquisitely filmed racing scenes I now have a much deeper appreciation of the passion and commitment rowing inspires for so many young athletes. Coming so soon after the Olympics, this film reminds us of the sacrifices behind athletic accomplishment and the rewards of true sportsmanship.
The sports theme is only one of several draws. Abi and Geoff (Thomas and Van Der Beek) have great charisma in the movie. The coaching scenes between Abi and "her girls" bring you back to high school and the relationships there formed. Some of the best scenes put in stark relief how competition can strain even the strongest of friendships - and how teamwork can overcome even major setbacks.Do see this movie.
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