David Anspaugh directs Sean Astin, Charles S. Dutton and Jon Favreau in the true story sports movie about a young man who was always told that he was too wee and too thick to play college football but who went to near martyr-level lengths to make the B-team at Notre Dame.

A very similar experience to Forrest Gump. Surface level this is a nostalgia porn, triumph against adversity, strive to achieve the impossible dream male fairytale. But the ultimate message is rather bleak and cynical, the naivety and pluck is a veil. It just happens to be filmed with autumnal lushness and a rousing score. They don’t make em like the Boomers like to think they were made anymore. Go Rudy! But in all honesty it is hard not to care about and roots for Sean Astin whether he is searching earnestly for pirate treasure or giving ring destroying assist.

6

Perfect Double Bill: School Ties (1992)

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