Nesta Cooper stars in a scene from the movie "The Miracle Season." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. (CNS/Cate Cameron, LD Entertainment)

By Catholic News Service

Directed by Sean McNamara, this fact-based sports drama follows the Iowa City West High School girls’ volleyball team after they lose their captain and star player (Danika Yarosh) to a moped accident. Thrown into near-paralysis by grief, under the wise direction of its coach (Helen Hunt) the ensemble pulls together thanks to the encouragement of the deceased player’s father (William Hurt) and the leadership of her best friend (Erin Moriarty).

Though screenwriters David Aaron Cohen and Elissa Matsueda delay the film’s positive twist too long to keep the audience engaged, and largely sideline their characters’ religious beliefs, in the end this salute offers uplifting entertainment suitable for a broad audience.

One instance of innuendo. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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