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Stand Strong is a 2011 movie directed by Amy Kenney and produced by Russ Kendall. It is a drama that tells the story of a high school student named Matt Webster (played by Sean Benson), who has to overcome family hardships, personal inner demons and make tough decisions. The movie starts with Matt, a popular high school student, facing various challenges in his life. His parents are going through a difficult divorce, which is affecting the entire family. Matt's father, a manipulative and alcoholic person, tries to pit Matt against his mother and take everything she has, including their house.

Matt's younger brother and sister are also struggling with the impact of the divorce. His brother, Scott (played by Bryce Bishop), is a talented athlete who is under a lot of pressure to follow in his father's footsteps and play football. His sister, Lindsay, is a timid girl who is scared of her father and his violent outbursts.

Matt is trying to hold his family together, but he is also dealing with his own problems. He is struggling with depression and feelings of inadequacy, which are exacerbated by the demands of his parents and peers. Matt’s best friend, Jake (played by Justin Schwan), tries to support him, but he is also dealing with his own problems, such as his parent’s separation, and his attempts to qualify for the school’s wrestling team.

As the story unfolds, Matt’s father becomes more and more aggressive, betting his ex-wife that he could make their son’s life “a living hell.” In an attempt to keep his promise, he goes to extreme lengths to sabotage Matt's sports career, his relationships with his girlfriend, Emily (played by Shelly Brandon), and his friends.

Despite everything Matt is going through, he slowly begins to find the strength to stand up for himself and his family. He starts to take responsibility for his actions, confronts his father and his own inner demons, and seeks help from his friends and a school counselor.

Throughout the story, there is a strong focus on the importance of family, friendship, and resilience. Matt's struggles are realistic and relatable, and his journey towards self-discovery and growth is inspiring. The movie also highlights the role that sports and extracurricular activities can play in helping teenagers build confidence and resilience.

The acting in the movie is convincing and authentic. Sean Benson delivers a powerful performance as Matt, portraying his character’s emotions with skill and sensitivity. Bryce Bishop’s performance as Scott is also impressive, as he manages to convey the inner conflict of his character, who wants to follow his own dreams while feeling the pressure to please his father. Shelly Brandon’s portrayal of Emily is also noteworthy, giving depth and nuance to her character.

The cinematography in the film is good, capturing the emotions of the characters and the beauty of the landscapes surrounding them. The score is also fitting, conveying the different moods and emotions of the scenes.

Overall, Stand Strong is a well-crafted drama that delivers a powerful and inspiring message. While it deals with heavy themes such as divorce, addiction, and mental health, it does so with sensitivity and authenticity. The film highlights the importance of resilience, family, and friendship, encouraging viewers to stand up for themselves and those they care about. It is a movie that will resonate with many audiences, particularly teenagers and young adults who are going through similar struggles.

Stand Strong is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.