If you’re looking to be inspired as we kick off the New Year, the film “Average Joe,” which will be streaming exclusively on Great American Pure Flix starting January 23, might be just what you need.
The film tells the inspiring true story about Joe Kennedy, the high school football coach who fought for his right to express his religious beliefs publicly, leading to a landmark Supreme Court ruling. And while the film highlights the numerous challenges Kennedy faced over the course of his life, including during his 8-year legal battle, the outcome is a powerful demonstration of God’s faithfulness when we fully surrender to his will.
“We are so proud of the film, ‘Average Joe,’ produced in association with our partners at Pinnacle Peak Pictures, which has received favorable reviews across the board,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media. “The importance of Joe Kennedy’s story is that no American should ever be forced to choose between their faith and their right to work.”
As we enter a New Year rife with possibilities, Abbott says the film is a testament to how much we have to be thankful for when it comes to religious liberty here in America. But it’s also an important reminder of why we should never take those freedoms for granted—and commit to living out our faith in every area of our lives.
“Joe Kennedy fought 8 years before winning at the Supreme Court for his right to pray in public,” he noted. “While ‘Average Joe’ is a movie everyone can root for, it is important to remember at its heart is awareness and gratitude for our constitutional freedoms and knowing, sometimes, you have to kneel to take a stand.”
Veteran actor Eric Close, who plays Kennedy in the film, was also inspired by the football coach’s resilience in the face of so many trials in his life. From growing up in foster care as a troubled youth and facing the horrors of war in the military, to being fired for praying and facing loss after loss in court, Close describes ‘Average Joe’ as a powerful “redemption story” that will appeal to believers and unbelievers alike.
“‘Average Joe’ is a story for all Americans, whether you’re a person of faith or not,” he said. “It will make you laugh and make you cry. It’s an underdog tale that will have audiences standing and cheering in the end.”
Mark your calendars for January 23 and be sure to stream “Average Joe” exclusively on Great American Pure Flix!
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