The 5th Quarter parents guide

The 5th Quarter Parent Guide

Overall A-

After a terrible accident kills his younger brother, college student Jon Abbate (Ryan Merriman) isn't sure he will ever be able to play football again. Yet with the help of faith, friends and a caring community, Jon and his grieving parents (Aidan Quinn and Andie MacDowell) are able to turn tragedy into triumph. This movie is based on a true story.

Release date March 25, 2011

Violence B
Sexual Content A-
Profanity B-
Substance Use C+

Why is The 5th Quarter rated PG? The MPAA rated The 5th Quarter PG for thematic material, some language, medical images and brief smoking. (Edited. Originally rated PG-13 in 2010)

Run Time: 125 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

Though plenty of fictional athletic tales exists, an unusually high number of movies in the sports genre come from true-life events. Maybe that’s because the athletic arena is a kind of microcosm of life. Within the span of a career, a season or even a single game, characters face highs and lows, failures and successes. And they must find the drive to overcome adversity.

So it is in the independent film, The 5th Quarter, based on the life of football player Jon Abbate (Ryan Merriman). A terrible blow strikes the Abbate family in 2006 when Jon’s 15-year-old brother Luke (Stefan Guy) accepts a ride home from practice from another teen. Despite the protests of his passengers, the driver pulls a dangerous stunt that results in a catastrophic accident and massive brain injuries for Luke.

At Wake Forest University in North Carolina where he plays fullback, Jon receives the devastating call from his older brother Adam (Matt McGrath). Rushing back to Georgia, Jon keeps vigil with his family at his younger sibling’s bedside until they must accept his impending death.

However the loss of one so young puts the family in a tailspin. After the funeral, their father Steven (Aidan Quinn) isolates himself in his work while his wife Maryanne (Andie MacDowell) sinks into a lethargic depression. Even Jon finds it impossible to walk onto the practice field, at least until a fellow player (Josh Smith) orchestrates an intervention.

Finally back in uniform but still emotionally fragile, Jon asks to wear the number five on his jersey in honor of his brother. Coach Jim Grobe (Michael Harding) readily agrees. As the season progresses, Jon and his parents (in the stands) begin raising an outstretched palm heavenward at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each of Jon’s games in memory of Luke. Within weeks, the gesture takes on a symbolic meaning for the entire Demon Deacon team, their fans and even the opposing players.

The painful process of personal grieving and the desire to do something good in the face of calamity are both explored in this script. (The Abbate family has formed a foundation to speak out against reckless driving and to encourage organ donation. Five people received life-saving organ transplants from Luke following his passing including a young mother played in the film by Anessa Ramsey.)

Feeling invincible isn’t uncommon for teens. However the images of a blood covered victim, a scene of open-heart surgery and the heartache of those left behind may be a wake up call for youth eager to push the limits of common sense. More than merely a football story with the expected locker room motivational speeches, The 5th Quarter blends tragedy with triumph in a family saga that champions faith, courage and the importance of community support.

Directed by Rick Bieber. Starring Aidan Quinn, Ryan Merriman, Andie MacDowell. Running time: 125 minutes. Theatrical release March 25, 2011. Updated

The 5th Quarter
Rating & Content Info

Why is The 5th Quarter rated PG? The 5th Quarter is rated PG by the MPAA for thematic material, some language, medical images and brief smoking. (Edited. Originally rated PG-13 in 2010)

Violence: A character drives recklessly despite his passengers’ protests. A wrecked and mangled car is shown. A blood-covered victim is shown in an emergency room. Open-heart surgery and other medical procedures are briefly depicted. Some football action includes tackling and hard hits. A drunken man shouts at his friends. Another character yells at dinner guests. Characters discuss the deaths of their loved ones.

Sexual Content: Couples kiss infrequently.

Language: The script contains infrequent profanities and terms of Deity.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink as a way to deal with tragedy and one man becomes intoxicated. A woman consumes alcohol while preparing dinner. A brief scene of smoking is included.

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The 5th Quarter Parents' Guide

Are any consequences shown for the young man who drives recklessly? Who, besides the Abbate family, would be impacted by this tragedy?

How does each of the family members grieve? In what ways does the community offer support? Why is the process different for everyone?

How do you feel about organ donation? What difference does that make in this movie? Learn more about this life-saving gift.

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The 5th Quarter movie is August 30, 2011. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: The 5th Quarter

Release Date: 30 August 2011

The 5th Quarter releases to DVD and Blu-ray on August 30, 2011. Both formats include the bonus feature, The Making of The 5th Quarter.

Related home video titles:

Michael Harding, who plays Coach Grobe, also stars in the sports movies Secretariat and Radio as well as the military story Dear John. A community faces tragedy when almost the entire college football team dies in a plane accident in We Are Marshall.