Being that NFL football season is now in full gear and men everywhere will spend their Saturdays and Sundays glued to the TV for close to 8 hours, I thought I'd hit you with my favorite football movies. Football is the biggest major league sport in the U.S. and drives thousands of wives crazy every sunday while their husbands schedule their sundays around watching football. So when the games on Saturday, Sunday and Monday have ended, what's better than watching some great football movies. Here's 5-1 of my Top 10 Football Movies!
This is probably one of Adam Sandler's best films and while it feels very sophmoric now, I still remember why I liked it so much upon it's release. I highly doubt there are many people who haven't seen this film but, in it Sandler plays a simpleton waterboy who is propelled onto his local college football team when his coach has lost all hope of a decent season and see's Sandlers character put a devistating hit on a member of the team for making fun of him. This film is filled to the brim with laughs and has Rob Schnieder's beginnings of the "you can do it" quote that has been over quoted in most of Sandler's films since. Waterboy released when Sandler's films still felt fresh and before they became too formulaic, like Zohan and Click, ultimately Waterboy stands the test of time and still entertains to this day. One highlight is Henry Winkler's performance as the coach is a nice addition to the cast who really provides some great laughs when he tells Sandler, "What Momma don't know, wont hurt her," and then reveals a Roy Orbison tattoo on his ass! 
Brian's Song is an amazing story of friendship that any sports fan should see. Based on the true story of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo, who played for the Chicago Bears, and formed an very close friendship despite the fact that they were both competing for the same position. This film for its time, was made is wake of the racial riots, and Piccolo's and Sayers friendship was a controversial one, but they both remained completely respectful of eachother and stood by eachothers side during the rough years. Brian Piccolo developed embryonal cell carcinoma, a type of cancer, found as a large tumor in his chest cavity which would eventually result in his death. If this film doesn't get you to wipe your eyes and tear up a bit, I don't know what will! Highlights are seeing a younger Lando Calrissian/Billy Dee Williams in his first big break as Gale Sayers and a very young James Caan as Brian Piccolo. It's a must see for any Bears fan and sports fans alike. The story was remade by HBO in 2001, but I still find this version far superior (Sorry Phifer, Lando still has this one in the bag)! 
Denzel Washington is a master thespian and here in Remember the Titans he delivers a oustanding performance as the newely appointed coach to a High School Football team in its first year as a racially integrated school and team in 1971. The plot and dialogue throughout the entire film is very well thought out and deals nicely with the racial issues of the time, while giving the viewer a great football story. The cast is loaded with great actors including Will Patton, Ryan Gosling, Ethan Suplee, Kate Bosworth and a very young Hayden Panettierre who plays Patton's quick-tongued and football-savy daughter. The entire cast gives off great performances that felt natural and were often very comical at times. One of Remember the Titans biggest appeals was how well rounded it was. It has serious drama, break-neck football, great pacing and an overall endearing story. If you've never seen it, you're missing out! 
Oliver Stone does not hold back in the slighest when he makes a movie and here in Any Given Sunday nothing has changed! This film is an outstanding look into pro football that Stone decided to pump as much steriods and testosterone he could into the film. It works beautifully. The film's cast is also equally appealing with Al Pacino playing the coach, Dennis Quaid as the aging quarterback who becomes injured, and Jamie Foxx as the third string QB who is propelled into the limelight after an amazing performance when both 1st and 2nd string QB's go down to injury's. Cameron Diaz even has a decent performance here as the aggressive Co-Owner of the pro team. James Woods also delivers as the team's medical examiner who is more interested in the cheerleaders than the condition of the teams players. Any Given Sunday is an all around great football movie that has great on-field camera work and a perfect delivery throughout. The drama is intense and football is even more intense! Perfect movie for during the NFL season! 
If you wanna talk about heart and football, Rudy is the pinnacle of football movies! Rudy is a true David vs. Goliath tale that is based off the real-life story of Daniel E. 'Rudy' Ruettiger. Ruettiger grew up in a middle class family in a small mill town and always aspired to play for Notre Dame despite his small stature. What Rudy lacked in size he trippled in heart. The film focuses on Rudy's steadfast desire to get into Notre Dame and try out for the football team. He is accepted as a student in Fall of 1974 and trys out for the team making the practice squad. Rudy finally makes the full team in 1975 and is dressed in the final Notre Dame home game of the 75 season. Rudy is allowed to play in the final two plays of the game and sacks the Georgia Tech QB in the final play. Rudy was carried off the field by his teammates, historically he and Marc Edwards are the only players to be carried off the field by their teammates, Rudy was the last. Rudy is an amazing story, a beautifully acted film and a overall joy to watch. Sean Astin is amazing as the short but, stout in spirit football hopefull! Rudy is a timeless football movie that is to be shared and enjoyed on a regular basis. What are your favorite football movies? Discuss and strike back....
0 comments :
Post a Comment