Family, Faith, and Football: Create a When the Game Stands Tall Movie Night Party

We are super fans of football movies, especially the ones that can be watched with the kids.  Rudy, Remember the Titans... there are too many to mention!  When we were offered the chance to watch the new movie "When the Game Stands Tall" on Blu-ray last week, I was super excited.  With 5 boys in the house -- and one very athletic teen daughter -- this was the perfect film for a family movie night!

There are so many things that struck me about this movie, but the biggest impact was knowing it was based on a true story.  How accurate was it? I can't speak for everyone involved, but the best quotes of the film were very accurate; in fact, the actual footage during the credits confirmed that sayings such as "Give perfect effort from start to finish” were said by Coach Ladouceur.

This film does tackle some big themes.  In the context of it being about football, it's really more about life.  Many kids on the team are struggling with their own troubles, and the football team acts as a family to them, pushing them on to do better and be more.  One scene of a teen getting shot may be hard for younger kids to deal with, so be prepared to discuss some of these situations with your older kids and maybe consider limiting this film to children who are prepared to handle some themes surrounding death.

Since we love family movie nights, and were excited to see yet another great movie come out that embraces faith, family, and football, we prepared our own little party, complete with a yummy 5-Minute Fried Ravioli appetizer!

To make this easy and super delicious dish, you'll need nothing more than:

• 1 bag frozen Great Value Meat Ravioli
• 1 jar marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 container Great Value Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Allow the ravioli to thaw or you can defrost them in the microwave for a few minutes until the centers are soft.  Heat up oil in a deep fryer and test with a few bread crumbs to make sure it is hot enough. (I use my GranPappy. There's no guessing if it's hot enough because it has just one setting.)

While the oil is heating, put the egg in one bowl (stirred with a fork so the yolk is evenly distributed) and the bread crumbs in another.  You can add some salt and pepper to the crumbs to taste.

Take the ravioli, one by one, and dip first in the egg, then in the crumb mixture.  When you have a full batch breaded, put them into the deep fryer and cook until the crumb coating becomes golden brown and the raviolis float.  Remove and drain on paper towels.  Serve with warmed marinara!

I recommend you catch this film with your family.  You can find the Blu-ray Combo Pack (includes a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy) at your local Walmart for $22.96, or order it online!


  As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received samples and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Links to shopping sites may be referral links.