Thursday, June 17, 2010

Are You Ready For Some Football?!


While hanging out in the hotel room this week, I got to see the movie The Express. It's a story based on the life of Syracuse University football player Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. It was GREAT.

What's funny about this kind of movie is that althought I despise sports of any kind, especially football, I actually really love football movies. Below are my favorite movies involving football. And since most of them aren't really about football (at the core), I suspect that's the reason I like them.

OK, so here are the other football movies on my list, in no particular order:

Brian’s Song
Legendary actors James Caan and Billy Dee Williams give amazing performances inspired by real-life athletes in Brian’s Song. When cancer strikes an unlikely friendship, a bond is formed that surpasses football, race, and adversity. This unforgettable classic makes a positive impact on almost everyone who watches it. Cry fest.

We Are Marshall
Inspired by a true story, this film follows the fatal plane crash which killed members of the Marshall University football game and the aftermath of starting over. Matthew McConaughey stars as new Coach Jack Lengyel who struggles to rebuild the team and honor the memory of the fallen players. Even in those dorky clothes, McConaughey is a hottie.

Remember The Titans
Set in 1971, Coach Herman Boone, played by Denzel Washington, is hired as head coach over a newly integrated high school football team. The struggle to build a successful team is intensified by the struggle to surpass racial tensions. The team unifies when the players realize they share a common goal and realize attitude is what separates people and not race. We are all one race; the human race.

Invincible
Coach Vince Papale’s climb from the stands to the football field provides the perfect backdrop for an inspiring story of persistence, passion, and perseverance. Inspired by a true story, this hometown tale of a substitute teacher’s rise to the pros teaches a valuable lesson about what’s important on and off the field. I just love true stories!


The Replacements
When pro football salary negotiations produce a strike, a team of replacement players are given a second chance to play the game they love and earn the respect they’ve sought. Gene Hackman and Keanu Reeves give excellent performances along with the entire cast. The story reminds movie fans and football fans that it’s the heart of the team that brings championships. How cute is Keanu?

Radio
Set in Greenville, South Carolina, this true story of a coach’s commitment to helping an underprivileged, mentally-challenged, young boy enjoy life and realize his potential is simply unforgettable. Radio made his way into the hearts of the football players, the school, and the town and formed an unbreakable bond. The relationship proved the heart of a person is more important than aptitude, intellect, or athletic ability. Unforgettable.

Jerry Maguire
This Tom Cruise / Cuba Gooding, Jr. classic takes a close look at the corporate side of professional football. Personal goals, family, health, and well-being take a backseat to the lucrative opportunities available to professional athletes. Rod Tidwell wants every penny he can make, and it’s Jerry Maguire’s job to get it for him. Show me the what??

Varsity Blues
When a player’s injury brings a halt to a coach’s 23 year championship stint, it’s time for a new coach and a new school of thought. Winning at all costs is replaced with doing your best and enjoying the game. The results are pretty dramatic. Paul Walker looks good in anything...even if he had no lines.

Two For The Money
Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey give strong performances in this movie which takes a look a gambling side of football. When a high-stakes gambling tycoon takes a former athlete with keen instinct under his wing, lots of money is sure to be made. Making money at all costs proves to be a difficult game to play. OK, so it's not actually about the game of football - but Matthew McConaughey has no clothes on. Who needs actual football?

All The Right Moves
This Tom Cruise classic illustrates one of the many reasons he became a movie super star. A small town story about young kids with big dreams is brought to life through heartfelt performance from Lea Thompson, Craig T. Nelson, and Tom Cruise. The struggle to bring dreams to life is well portrayed in this football classic. What girl didn't want to be Lea Thompson?

The Blind Side
Based on the true story of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy who take in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael "Big Mike" Oher. Leigh Anne soon takes charge however, as is her nature, ensuring that the young man has every opportunity to succeed. When he expresses an interest in football, she goes all out to help him. They not only provide him with a loving home, but hire a tutor to help him improve his grades to the point where he would qualify for an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship. Michael Oher was the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft. Sandra Bullock = Charming.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1 YEAR AGO:
Hangin’ In The Sea Cave
2 YEARS AGO:
Weekend In Wyoming
3 YEARS AGO:
Ready For Nautical Knots
4 YEARS AGO:
Australia Isn’t Far Enough Away For These Bitches To Hide
5 YEARS AGO:
Texas Suicide

5 comments:

Jeni said...

About the only difference between you and me -with respect to this post -is that not only do I like to watch "football movies" but I also like to watch the game be it pro, college or even high school whenever I get a chance. A couple of those movies you listed I haven't seen yet but my opinion of those I have seen concurs fully with your critique of each of them! Great post!

june in florida said...

Went to link "weekend in Wyoming", gorgeous picture of you, good work Ed.

Angela said...

I love the Replacements, Varsity Blues and Any Given Sunday(which you didn't list). I'm not a fan of football normally but those movies are just sooo good.

I need to see We Are Marshall, as that was where I attempted college. haha Also, my sweetie pie worked on the film, even got to meet Mr. Sexuality aka Matthew McCona-hay-hay-baby!

Anonymous said...

Thanks June. And where is "Rudy" on this list? I see "Two for the money" and "Jerry McGuire", but no "Rudy"? Come on! THAT WAS THE BEST!!!
-Ed

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