The following review was submitted by Tiger Don.

If you’ve read the book "Friday Night Lights" then you have some idea about the movie "GO TIGERS!" The book is a documentary about the integration of two Texas high schools and the associated football success they tried to maintain, whereas the movie deals with a high school team struggling to erase the memory of a losing season and restore pride in its school and town. The movie also focuses on the school district’s desperate need to pass a school levy, albeit a little too much for my taste, while inappropriately equating touchdowns with levy votes. But it’s a great movie and well worth seeing.

Promos referred to Massillon as a dying "rust belt" town, but I really didn’t get that impression from the movie. Although depicted as blue collar, Massillon was shown as a thriving and robust city. I was especially pleased with the way the high school and the football stadium were displayed in their pristine conditions. Those were moments of pride.

The film didn’t hold anything back and grabbed my attention for the entire 103 minutes, even though I was well aware of the final outcome. Most of it was serious in nature, particularly when focusing on the Perry and McKinley games, but there also many lighter moments. In fact, two scenes simply knocked my socks off. But don’t worry, I won’t reveal those here. I was both entertained and enlightened. Entertained with the memories of that great undefeated season and enlightened with the behind-the-scenes events to which most fans are not privy.

So, how well did the film represent the true nature of the Massillon football program? Here is what Coach Shepas had to say. "I think there are a lot of things that depicted our ’99 season very accurately. In this particular case Dave Irwin, Ellery Moore, and Danny Studer were the leaders of our football team. We had a very cohesive group of seniors and they enjoyed each other both on and off the field. They did something very special for their school as well as the entire senior class. I think they were a special group of seniors and I think the enthusiasm rolled from football season through basketball season and on into baseball season."

Dave Irwin and Dan Studer echoed the statements of their former coach. "The movie showed the whole story," said Irwin. "It showed how close our team was together, the unity, and how much everybody cared for each other. Football is life in Massillon." According to Studer, "I thought the movie was great and it’s a picture of what high school football is like in Massillon. It gave a realistic view of how it is here and it showed what it’s like to be a high school athlete in Massillon."

The non-Massillon fan should enjoy the movie also. "I think anyone that has the opportunity to witness what Massillon football is all about, either by viewing this movie or watching a game or seeing a pep assembly or just traveling with us through the course of the season, would find that Massillon is a very special place," said Shepas. "The identity of the community is definitely that of the football program regardless of whether some people think that’s the way to do things or not. It’s a very special place and that’s why a lot of people, including myself, wanted to be a part of something like this. I think that they would come away thinking that the people of Massillon are serious about their kids."

GO TIGERS!

The above review was submitted by Tiger Don. What follows is Obiefan's report...

We arrived at 6PM to find a pretty decent line of people waiting for the movie. Hopefully not too many were turned away, as I believe the film might have been overbooked. The movie will be released officially in Massillon on Sept 21. I won't make it that night since it's Massillon vs Austintown but will probably have to see it a few more times to fully digest it. I spoke with several players from 1999, and also a few cheerleaders. Here's what they had to say...

Perry James- "I'm proud to be a part of it. The 99 season was one of the greatest times in my life."

Brent Dean in anticipation for the movie to begin- "I'm excited to see it and prepared to be enjoying it. I'm sure it will be very emotional." When asked how he thought the negative points (beer scene) in the movie would be perceived he said "I can see how the community could see it as negative but it's a part of life."

Matt Shem- "I have only had positive experiences in Massillon."

Jill ??? (former Tigers Cheerleader & Homecoming Queen)- "In most towns, high school football might not have been the biggest event but at Massillon it is. I was proud to be a part of it."

Another viewer whose name is not known, when asked about the party- "You might not want to believe it but this kind of thing goes on everywhere and to not show it or cover it up wouldn't be the truth."

Dave Irwin- "It was very fulfilling to be in the movie and more so a Massillon Tiger. Massillon is about football. Without football Massillon would be like everywhere else. Massillon is all about football- I'm just proud to be a part of it!"

Dave, when asked about the negative in the movie- "They are also depicting things that actually happen everywhere. Massillon, McKinley and every other high school all over."

Lights dimmed and a loud cheer was heard as the movie began. Several points in the movie, I was practically wiping tears. The haunting, echoey rendition of the alma mater. Seeing the 1951 clip when the QB made a long bomb and when the ball peaked it transformed into color and the ball landed in the hands of a 1999 tiger. WOW that was cool! Several times the crowd burst into laughter. The "Tiger Lady" was a gem. All in all it was a great film glorifying Massillon Football as it should be. After the movie, reporters were outside taking interviews. It seemed like everyone was pleased. I didn't hear anyone mentioning anything bad. Here are some of the takes I was able to reel in...

Coach Studer- "It turned out good, just what I expected. Those guys (film crew) lived here for a whole season - taking in miles and miles of film. It was a real good job."

Tate Mcnutt, Member Village Idiots- "It was a great film showing what Massillon Football is all about. It shows what Massillon Football Players go through and how hard they work for the community. I'm sure the community appreciates that."

Big Cunn, Member Village Idiots- "The party scene was about as accurate as it could get!"

Bob Hollender, Obie Tiger Handler- "I can't believe they filmed that one Bulldog mascot humping the other one!"

Coach Rick Shepas- "I don't condone the (beer party) scene. I dont put up with any of that behavior." When asked other aspects of the movie- "It's not just about the football team, it's about the community and everybody that surrounds it like the village idiots. They maintain a high level of enthusiasm all season for football, basketball, baseball. It's one of the most special things I've seen in high school, college and it's a really neat experience."

My take- Massillon Proud wasn't in the movie as originally promised but that's alright since countless hours had to be cut down to 103 minutes. A great job was done by Ken Carlson & Co.

This movie is sure to become staple viewing in coaching circles and locker rooms nationwide. I think it represents much better than "Remember the Titans" since the real people were actually in the movie.

Also, Katrina Carlson was on hand for autographing her special advance sampler cd.

As always... "Go Tigers!"