Invincible starring Mark Wahlberg as the former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Vince Papale is an inspiring film because the guy overcame all of the odds to become an NFL player. This is a guy who went from losing his girlfriend and his job as a substitute teacher to becoming a major contributor on special teams for Dick Vermeil.
Brian s Song The story of how Brian Piccolo and Gayle Sayers were about to unite as a great tandem in the backfield as two men who came from very different backgrounds as well with Sayers coming from the Midwest and the University of Kansas and Piccolo hailing from the South and Wake Forest University. The story of what happens during the movie is heart wrenching and makes you realize that we re lucky to have our loved ones for as long as we do.
The WaterBoy Although it really isn t much of a football movie in truth. This a good change of pace from Brian s Song. The WaterBoy is a great comedy about Adam Sandler who goes from life long waterboy to dominating linebacker. The movie also has appearances from real football coaches such as Jimmy Johnson and Bill Cowher. Of course both of these men are currently retired from coaching.
Wildcats A great comedy that is a little bit unrealistic with Goldie Hahn trying to run a football team involving inner city youth, Some of the scenes involved are pretty realistic regarding stuff like high school parties.
Rudy The story about a Notre Dame walk on finally getting to play at an actual game in South Bend is a compelling story that many kids aspire to even though they may not be the greatest athletes in the world. Sean Aston does a very good job explaining the feelings that this hopeful and jovial young man was going through.
Radio Although not much of an actual football movie you do see how football helps those with mental disabilities find their way through life and to make a way through school and to find people who truly can care about the people who have the least. The character that Ed Harris plays as the football coach during the movie is such an inspiration as he shows the great parts of humanity.
Friday Night Lights This film in my view is great due to the fact that Tim McGraw gives such a great performance as a drunken, abusive father who can not let of his great high school football days because it was the only great memory he had in life. Billy Bob Thorton also gives a believable performance as the head coach.
Varsity Blues Sort of the same movie as Friday Night Lights except for the fact that the acting wasn t as good. Jame Vander Beek deserves credit for how he was able to get people to the theater though.
The Longest Yard Burt Reynolds was at the top of his game during this prison turned football team movie which Burt Reynolds will slap you over if you do not know about this original film.
Remember The Titans This is a movie that I think had the greatest impact on our social fabric in a positive way. Denzel Washington and so many of the others stars in the film give a captivating performance as we embrace the greatness of people coming together through integration.