Movie Review: 'The 5th Quarter'

The movie about the Baltimore Ravens' Michael Oher, The Blind Side, was one of the more successful football-related movies of recent times. Fresh off the success of that story, which was as much, if not more, about the plot off of the football field, comes The 5th Quarter, surely to be the same sort of film, with a heartwarming off-the-field story that will draw all demographics to theaters to enjoy.

The 5th Quarter stars Aidan Quinn and Andie McDowell and is based on the true story of Jon Abbate, whose brother Luke was killed in a car crash at the young age of 15. Quinn and McDowell play Jon's parents and support their son who chooses to continue to play football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Wake Forest goes on an improbable run to the ACC Championship. The movie is a true and inspirational story of family, faith, football and the gift of life.

As such, the creators of the film have partnered with several socially relevant organizations across the country including Donate Life, in the hopes that the film will raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation, and prevent reckless, teen-age driving

The original music for the film was composed and sung by Stacy Earl, who is a recipient of a corneal transplant which saved her eye. That helped give her the inspiration to write this song.

(Click on the 'Jump' to see the Trailer and read more, including a question I was able to ask Stacy Earl about how she came up with the words to the song that headlines The 5th Quarter)

Through Jane Westgate, CEO/Founder of Westgate Communications, who is doing PR/Media Marketng Services for the film, I was able to get the following question to Stacy about the song:

What did you focus on in coming up with the lyrics to the song and how did you come upon such a soothing melody?

"I don't usually come up with a lyric as effortlesly as I did for, "Live and Breathe" I had lost my beloved father only a few months prior and I was just heartbroken! When I had the opportunity to write for this movie, I wasn't sure I even had it in me to work. I pulled out my writing pad on the plane and boy did those words just start to flow! I was on the way to work with my writing partner , Andy Mendelson. in New York. He had started playing a melody and the lyric,"as I live and breathe I'll feel you inside of me, I will remember you, my whole life through as I live and breathe". Well , Andy wrote the perfect melody for that line - it only took 3 days to refine and record the song.  I have never written a song so quickly as "Live and Breathe." I stew for weeks before I'm happy with something. I'm very proud of it and it couldn't have found a better home then "The 5th Quarter" I just love the Abbate family and the film!
Thanks so much!!"
Stacy Earl

According to Jane Westgate, the Winston-Salem premier was held in mid-March:

"...it was well attended/enjoyed.  The Abbate family was there. Not a dry eye in the place.  It was really incredible—everyone can relate to this film."

About The Fifth Quarter

Driven by the tragic car crash that claimed the life of his fifteen year old brother Luke, and changing his jersey to his brother's number 5 while dedicating the upcoming season to his memory, Jon Abbate leads his underdog Wake Forest Demon Deacons to the ACC Championship as they become the most improved team in America. This is a true and inspirational story of family, faith, football and the gift of life. As such, the creators of the film have partnered with several socially relevant organizations across the country including Donate Life, in the hopes that the film will raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation, and prevent reckless, teen-age driving. Stacy is herself a recipient of a corneal transplant which saved her eye.

See the Movie Trailer HERE.