Monday, February 12

THE Movie

Well, since several of you asked, I thought I would go ahead and get this movie thing out of the way. Some of you know this story and I am sorry to bore you with it, but I figured I would write about it one day and that day has arrived.

When I was in middle school, my dad was the head coach at Permian High School on Odessa Texas. We didn't win for several seasons when a guy named Buzz Bissinger came and asked if he could write a book about the team. He told everyone that he was going to write a book a lot like the movie Hoosiers. So of course every one thought that would be cool.

That year Mr. Bissinger went EVERYWHERE with the team. He spent time with the family's of the coaches and players ALL THE TIME. Then he left to write Friday Night Lights. When the book came out, it was a shock to everyone in Odessa. It was NOT the book that he SAID that he was going to write.

The book was about my dad, his team, there were even a few things about me which at the time I thought was cool. THEN, I found out what the book was really about. There were so many tears and hurt feelings because everyone just felt betrayed. If you've read the book or if you've heard of it, you probably know that it was a lot about racism. That was SO far from anything that I ever knew and still don't believe half of what was written.

THEN, 15 years later, they make the MOVIE Friday Night Lights. Billy Bob Thornton played my dad (don't ask me why, my daddy is SO handsome and BB, not so much) and an actress named Connie Britton played my mom. We got to go to Hollywood to the premiere and meet all the stars. Faith Hill was PRECIOUS!! It was her and Tim McGraw's anniversary that day and they were just so nice. ( I would post pictures, but I'd had Jude 3 months earlier and I gained so much weight with him, there is NO way anyone is seeing THOSE pictures!! Sorry!) I also LOVED meeting Bryce Dallas Howard (she was awesome) and just SEEING Jimmy Kimmel. I LOVE his show. He caught me staring too. Sorry Jimmy!

The movie was OK. Lots of people ask me if that is how it really was and there are few things that were like that, but not everything. We did have for sale signs in our front yard after losing games. AND I didn't want to go to school because of kids being mean and people talking bad about my dad. So from MY point of view, those were accurate. ANYWAY. That is the movie story.

posted by Nicole at 9:13 PM

56 Comments:

  • Oh Wow Nicole, this is incredible after all these years. Didn't anyone 'disputed' on the facts when they found that he had betrayed everyone? Sorry to brought some tears to you pal!

    By Blogger Shionge, at 9:51 PM  

  • I hate poetic license don't you? I had no idea. I've never seen the movie but heard of it (I'm not a fan of Billy Bob). If I do watch it I'll remember what you said. It's unfortunate they change things so when real life is very interesting.

    How cool to meet Faith & Tim - I'm a fan.

    By Blogger Nadine, at 10:08 PM  

  • This is one of this "hilarious" moments in life...I had never looked at your blog before, and the first post I read is about the fact that "Friday Night Lights" is basically about your high school and your dad was the coach. That's pretty cool! :) I actually have never read the book or seen the movie, but I find it "fun" nonetheless. I do have to say I was really sad to read that the guy didn't portray things correctly. That happens all too often I'm sure.

    Anyway, wanted to say Hi :) I found you via my friend Anna - the one that takes a great photo every day.

    Blessings! Rebecca

    By Blogger Rebecca, at 11:02 PM  

  • oh my gosh I had no idea that family was you! wow! how is that for knowing a celebrity!

    By Blogger Lala's world, at 11:24 PM  

  • I vividly remember a scene in the movie where the coach's wife and daughter (you) were walking through the parking lot of some store. When "you" came on the screen Zach said "Hey look! There's Nicole!" It cracked me up because the girl looked nothing like you.
    AND I totally agree that your dad is MUCH more handsome than BB. ick.

    By Blogger Kara, at 11:26 PM  

  • That is pretty cool! I have never seen the movie or read the book though . But now i may have to.

    By Blogger momto3blessings, at 12:12 AM  

  • That's just wild! I have never seen the movie, so I didn't really know what it was about. Now there is a tv show, too- right? And- it would still be awesome to see pics... would it make you feel better if we ALL post after-baby pics? ; )

    By Blogger Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph, at 4:20 AM  

  • I am so glad you posted this, i wanted to know exactly how it all meshed!
    BB T isnt cute at all... you are so right about that!!!!!

    By Blogger Lindsay, at 4:20 AM  

  • I admit to not seeing the movie or reading the book (it was a sports movie, so I'm sure that's why I skipped it! ha!) It's sad that your town/family was deceived! However, I am very jealous you met Tim and Faith!! I LOVE THEM! Did you see them on Oprah? :-)

    By Blogger Lori, at 6:40 AM  

  • Wow. really unbelieveable. Im sorry you and your family had to go through that. It seems only to well that we get dissapointed by someones stupid actions. But Im glad you enjoyed the premiere . Hugs to you.

    By Blogger Kim's Life, at 6:55 AM  

  • Hey Nicole! :) I really like Carrie too, but when it comes to "Best New Artist", I don't think she cuts it :) You should check out Imogen Heap and Corinne Bailey Rae - you might find your favorite new music! :) Thanks for saying hello! I will definitely be bookmarking your site to visit regularly. Have a wonderful day!

    By Blogger Rebecca, at 7:11 AM  

  • wow. i liked you before i knew this...and now...well...now...this is pretty cool! it's funny, i was reading the first line when you said your dad was the coach and the first thing that popped into my head was Kyle Chandler from the show Friday Night Lights...little did i know how right i was!!


    it must have been so difficult to see how they twisted truths and non-truths. i'm sure it happens all the time in these "based on a true story" movies and shows.

    i MUST see pictures!

    By Blogger Ali, at 7:33 AM  

  • That is me and Scott's favorite show on Wednesday nights....I jst saw the movie for the first time...I cannot believe its based on you and your family..how incredible...wait until I tell Scott....amazing..Faith Hill...really?

    By Blogger Jen, at 7:48 AM  

  • Cool! That is no neat! I haven't read or seen the movie but now you got me curious.

    Your a Superstar!! (did you see that movie-dont!)

    By Blogger CG, at 8:02 AM  

  • You know, we saw this movie and I can't remember all of it, I'm going to have to watch it again.

    I think that movies really take a dramatic license with things - even movies based on true stories.

    By Blogger sari, at 8:14 AM  

  • Is that the movie with James Van Der Beek from Dawsons Creek?

    Wow, how cool to have a movie written about your town and your family. Sorry to hear they didn't portray you all the right way though. I'm gonna have to go rent the movie and check you out! LOL

    By Blogger Tasha, at 8:19 AM  

  • That's awful! I can't imagine someone taking that sort of liberties with real people - but now I really want to watch the movie.

    By Blogger Beck, at 8:20 AM  

  • I had no idea... sort of cool... I know someone who is sort of famous!

    To be honest, I saw the movie, and can't really remember much about it, but I think I have movie amneseia where I could see a movie several times and not remember it! :)

    ps... I can't believe that people put for sale signs in your yard. It's sad how creul people can be!

    By Blogger Lisa, at 8:23 AM  

  • Well, I have posted after baby pics, and big fat huge prego pics, so bring em on girl!! LOL. I've never heard of this movie, but I really want to go rent it now!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:03 AM  

  • I had no idea and your post was far from boring Nicole. I just watched that movie a few months back and I dont watch very many. Very interesting..

    You are so sweet and it is amazing how people will twist the story to get a better one. My husband went to school for journalism and afterwards we realized how twisted it all was. In our local city paper we just read a story on a developer who helped the reporter with his own story. I am sure he had no idea how bad he would spin it. My husband and I felt bad for him. A friend of ours knew the man and the story had so many incorrect statements about him I know it happens all the time. Hugs to you.

    By Blogger Mrs.Martin, at 9:08 AM  

  • I didn't read the book, but we did see the movie. I thought it was a good movie. I had no clue that you had anything to do with it, though. It stinks that the author wasn't honest about his intentions!

    By Blogger mom of 2, at 10:01 AM  

  • Okay, so I just read this post out loud to all the guys in my house, and they thought that was just the coolest! We, of course, saw the movie. We also love the tv show! Den says, "Wow, what a small world." Thanks for sharing all that, and it doesn't surprise me at all that the author stretched the truth.

    By Blogger Trina, at 10:06 AM  

  • I'm new, but what a post to come in on! I'd be unhappy if BB played my dad too!! ; )

    By Blogger Unknown, at 10:08 AM  

  • Man, that's awesome..and what an honor! I've never seen the movie but your story makes me want to see it!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 10:16 AM  

  • great site!

    By Blogger everything pink!, at 10:53 AM  

  • Sory if i insist...you made me curious...why can't we see THOSE pics...I think you are very supple now and we know very well this image of you...so why not to share with us the pics!COME ON!You were in Hollywood...you were almost a star...

    By Blogger Momo, at 10:59 AM  

  • wow, that is just incredible. I haven't seen the movie. I'm not sure how'd I'd feel if a guy wrote a book saying he was going to write it one way and then doing it another. I'm glad the movie wasn't too far off. It had to be all kinds of fun going to the premier though!

    By Blogger Mall Worker, at 12:27 PM  

  • Oh, that's awful... it's like movies based on books though, they just go off and do their own thing and it annoys me! I'm sorry you had to go through all that.

    That would be funny if we all posted after baby pics. I always look so slim while pregnant but afterwards I just look chunky!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 12:36 PM  

  • I still haven't seen the movie... I keep meaning to rent it!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 12:43 PM  

  • I found your blog from Anna Banana, I think. Anyway, this story is too cool. I feel like I need to see the movie now - just to relate it all back to your actual story.

    By Blogger Tonya, at 1:53 PM  

  • I've been seeing this title whenever I go to the video store. Always pass by it, though. Next time, I'll pick it up.

    Have a great Valentine.


    Mike
    http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/

    By Blogger Mike, at 2:39 PM  

  • I just have one question. Can I have your autograph???? hahahaha That is very cool, I remember thinking how cool it was when I first met you. I have been meaning to rent that movie again, because the first time I saw it you & I hadn't become friends yet. I would watch it differently now!!! I mean...now that I KNOW the superstar herself! =) LOVE YA!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:09 PM  

  • Thanks for elaborating. I've been wondering about it since you made a mention of it on a previous post. I can't imagine how frustrating it must have been to see facts distorted. Sadly, it's a common occurence. Authors bend the truth and then Hollywood comes along and bends it even further.

    By Blogger Elle*Bee, at 3:33 PM  

  • wow! thats very interesting! never watched the movie, but will remember this... good to know!

    By Blogger palmtreefanatic, at 5:06 PM  

  • Wow. So cool. I love this movie, but I'm sorry ya'll were deceived. I can't wait to go back and watch it to "see" you :)

    By Blogger Gretchen, at 5:41 PM  

  • Thanks Nicole for posting this. I have never seen the movie or read the book but I will now.

    By Blogger KC, at 6:43 PM  

  • What a neat story....I haven't seen the movie or read the book but I will now. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

    By Blogger Anna, at 6:54 PM  

  • I laughed at the apology to Jimmy Kimmel -- like he might actually be reading your blog?! :) Love you!

    By Blogger cindy, at 7:36 PM  

  • hi nicole... i just came across your blog a few days ago and love reading it! i just started my own too. it's so fun. i'm glad you and your sweet family are doing well.

    By Blogger annalee, at 9:47 PM  

  • So sorry that the writer didn't protray your family correctly..that was sounds like quite a family experience...
    My hubby and I saw the movie and now love the series they made after the it...I'm sure that means nothing to you..hehe, but we miss the whole southern-stlye down home towns. Thanks for sharing!!

    By Blogger marykathryn, at 1:01 AM  

  • Wow, I am the 40th commenter! Dang you are so popular!

    Thanks for sharing more details on the movie. What a neat thing for your family to be a part of!

    Very exciting about going to meet all the stars too! Just awesome!

    By Blogger Gina, at 1:19 AM  

  • FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS IS BASED ON YOUR FAMILY???? JK!

    I actually thought the movie was good and that they portrayed your dad as the good guy he is. I totally agree though...your dad is WAY cuter than BBT. But BB actually grows on you during the movie...or at least he did me. You are FAMOUS!!!! I am with Anna...can I have your autograph?? :)

    By Blogger Allison, at 8:49 AM  

  • Happy Valentine's Day!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 11:46 AM  

  • SHUT UP! I laughed because I had no idea that movie was based on your family. TOO COOL!

    By Blogger Glass Half Full, at 12:21 PM  

  • Oh...I forgot to tell you. Your last comment was super sweet on how great of a daddy and hubby that Matt is. But I have to tell you, Nicole, and you can tell Glen this, but I think Glen was such an inspiration to the kind of daddy Matt wanted to be. I truly believe that.

    AND OH MY GOODNESS 42 COMMENTS!!! I have never seen such. Look what being famous does to you!!! Maybe you should write a post about me, and tell all your readers to leave me a comment. HA! But seriously, I get excited with 5 comments...I can't imagine 42!

    By Blogger Allison, at 2:16 PM  

  • Ahh...Memories...
    The movie was weird to me. I had a hard time watching it and knowing some of the facts that were changed. Also, your mom has MUCH better hair than the actress did:-)
    I still cringe when I hear Buzz Bissenger's name or see him on TV. What a snake!
    I was pleased that they did not write the movie to be just like the book. There was some saving grace there.
    Love ya, Reese

    By Blogger Procters in MOJO land, at 3:43 PM  

  • Well I am like number 46, so you are probably tired of comments by now!!

    I think it's so incredibly cool that a movie was made about your family, too bad they had to twist it around some. I am definitely going to rent that one again, I watched it on an airplane on the was to Hawaii a few years ago and I was too excited to go to Hawaii to even pay attention :)

    Happy Valentines Day!!

    By Blogger Jamie, at 4:15 PM  

  • Wow, that's awful but I think typical with producers like that. They want what they want and will stop at nothing to get it. I never saw the movie, but I will remember what you said if I do!!

    By Blogger Lindsey, at 4:39 PM  

  • What an amazing story!

    Writers always seem to reserve the right to say whatever the heck they want. At some point, they have to shut out everyone else's perspectives and write the work they think will work best - or rather the one that will sell.

    In this case, it was clear that the more sensationalistic story won out over the truth.

    Still, the new FNL television series is monumentally good. True or not, it is compelling storytelling that simply isn't done on television anymore.

    Nice to find your blog!

    By Blogger carmilevy, at 8:17 PM  

  • I saw yesterday on one of the morning shows them talking about the mini-series. A book, movie and t.v....that's really something!

    By Blogger CG, at 9:06 PM  

  • I had heard the story 2nd hand before, but had always wondered what you thought about it. Thanks for sharing!

    48 comments! Seriously, you are too cool

    By Blogger Ashley, at 9:33 PM  

  • Wow, I had no idea. How fun for you to "be" in the movie. How nasty to have it warped.

    I have nothing that comes close. Never been to a movie premier, done nothing famous. not YET . . . :)

    By Blogger Scribbit, at 12:29 AM  

  • Cool! I need to watch that movie again. I don't remember anything anymore. How cool to see Tim and Faith!!!

    By Blogger Flawed And Disorderly, at 12:43 PM  

  • That is an amazing story. I've never seen the movie, now I want too. I hate that it wasn't "true" & that it hurt you & your family.
    I still want to see those picture of you at the premiere though! And something I think is cool, is you just never know who you are going to meet on the blogs!

    By Blogger ~Crystal~, at 4:09 AM  

  • I think I asked but I can't remember. If I didn't it's because I didn't want to be rude or something, but I was dying to know. Thanks for the details!!!!

    By Blogger Angel, at 1:15 PM  

  • Awww.. Hey, you know, they've just started showing a tv series here (is it in America as well? probably!) about Friday Night Lights as well! I love sports movies!

    By Blogger Michelle Fluttering Butterflies, at 5:48 AM  

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