Going to the Mat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Going to the Mat |
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Promotional poster
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| Written by | Chris Sean Nolan Laurie Nolan |
| Directed by | Stuart Gillard |
| Starring | Andrew Lawrence Alessandra Torresani Khleo Thomas Wayne Brady |
| Theme music composer | Christopher Brady |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Don Schain |
| Running time | 96 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Chanticleer Films |
| Distributor | Buena Vista Television |
| Release | |
| Original network | Disney Channel |
| Original release | March 19, 2004 |
Going to the Mat is a fun and inspiring Disney Channel Original Movie that first aired on March 19, 2004. This movie tells the story of a blind teenager who learns to fit in and find his place through wrestling. It shows how challenges can lead to new friendships and self-discovery.
Contents
Discovering Wrestling: Jace's Journey
This section explores the main character's move to a new city and how he finds his passion.
Moving to a New Place
The story begins with Jason "Jace" Newfield (Andrew Lawrence), a blind student who just moved. His family relocated from New York City to Salt Lake City, Utah. Jace is new to the school and wants to find a way to fit in.
Finding His Way
At first, Jace thinks playing the drums will help him make friends. He tries to show off in his band class. However, he soon learns that his band teacher, Mr. Wyatt, is also blind. This makes Jace realize that drums might not be his path to fitting in.
Friends and New Ideas
Jace's friend, Vincent "Fly" Shu, suggests that being a "jock" (an athlete) is the best way to fit in. But another friend, Mary Beth Rice, gets annoyed with Jace's jokes. She tells him that people don't like him because he acts like a jerk, not because he is blind.
Mary Beth wants to help Jace. She suggests he try out for the wrestling team. "Fly" also joins the team with Jace, even though he doesn't really want to. Both of them make it onto the team.
Learning to Wrestle
Wrestling is tough for Jace at first. He struggles to win matches. But Mary Beth's father is the wrestling coach, and Mary Beth starts giving Jace lessons. With her help, Jace slowly begins to improve his wrestling skills.
Becoming Part of the Team
As the wrestling season goes on, Jace starts to connect with his teammates. Some of the students who were hard on him at the beginning of the year become his friends. He learns that being himself is more important than trying to be someone he's not.
The State Championship
The team eventually makes it to the state championship. At the end of the movie, a reporter interviews Jace's teammates about his wrestling. They say that Jace isn't even blind. This shows that they now see him as a valuable person and a great teammate, not just as a blind person. They accept him for who he truly is.
Meet the Cast
This section introduces the talented actors who brought the characters to life in Going to the Mat.
- Andrew Lawrence as Jason "Jace" Newfield
- Alessandra Torresani as Mary Beth Rice
- Khleo Thomas as Vincent "Fly" Shu
- Wayne Brady as Mason Wyatt
- D. B. Sweeney as Coach Rice
- Billy Aaron Brown as John Lambrix
- Brenda Strong as Patty Newfield
- Brian Wimmer as Tom Newfield
- T.J. Lowther as Luke Nolan
- Marcus T. Paulk as Peter
Images for kids
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A friendly robot icon.
