Synopsis:
AMERICAN UNDERDOG is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family, and determination.
Impossible is nothing but a challenge. Some may submit to adverse situations, but then there are those who look failure in the eyes and choke it into submission. Those are the people that stories are written about. Those are the individuals that inspire millions and set new standards. Whenever impossible threatens to bring your goals to a halt, just remember “I’m possible.”
“Destiny, it belongs to the underdogs.”
You may have heard this story before but you’ve never seen it quite like this. American Underdog is a fly on the wall look at one of sport’s most inspirational stories. Based on the s autobiography, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the Miracle Season by Kurt Warner with Michael Silver, the biopic is a story that is as just much a tale of a strong woman as it is a motivational sports chronicle. From humble beginnings to down and out to super bowl champ and two-time MVP, Kurt Warner is the pinnacle of never giving up. Only slightly touching on Kurt’s childhood, the film focuses more on his life from college athletics up to the moment he wins his first Super Bowl. Where the film is at its best is when it delves into the moments where he meets his future wife and struggles with the transgressions in his life. Moreover, it’s a story that doesn’t hide the difficulties and hoist successes, instead, it leans into the hardships and showcases a truly human side to a hero-like story. Its themes of faith and family make it a journey that the whole family can enjoy. Not to mention, the depiction of single mothers and their strength as well as their hesitation and difficulty to find new and authentic love is an aspect that we rarely see in cinema.
As a fan of football, many of us have heard the Kurt Warner story, however, seeing the human side of the legend and his relationship with Brenda’s children makes it even more respectable. No matter who your favorite team is or if you even watch football, you can’t help but look at Warner as one of the greatest of all time. The tone of the film makes this drama very emotional, its score brings to life the midwestern feel of its setting, and the nostalgic football scenes brought my childhood back. I enjoyed American Underdog and your family will too. Its rewatchability is medium.
Pacing & Pop
This film is a real journey. While a bit quick, it’s spends just enough time on each aspect of his life to give you a comprehensive look into what made him the man he is now. What popped for me was how he refused to give up when he had every reason to. Most people would’ve called it quits, but he swallowed his pride and did what he needed to succeed. It may not always be pretty but it truly is motivational.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: ZACHARY LEVI, ANNA PAQUIN, SER’DARIUS BLAIN, HAYDEN ZALLER, CHANCE KELLY, DENNIS QUAID
If you never knew Zachary Levi could make you cry, well prepare yourself. This is perhaps the most grounded performance of his career. With his natural charm and look, I don’t think anyone else could’ve played the role of Kurt Warner. Anna Paquin was delightfully unexpected. I feel that she not only embodies that of Brenda Warner but also the spirit of single mothers. They play off each other very well.
American Underdog releases on Christmas Day, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Jon Erwin & Andrew Erwin
Writers: Jon Erwin, David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn
Producers: Jon Erwin, p.g.a., Andrew Erwin, p.g.a., Daniel Lefever, Kevin Downes, p.g.a., and Mark Ciardi, p.g.a.
Executive Producers: Kurt Warner, Brenda Warner, Tony Young, and Jon Gunn
Rated: PG
Runtime:1h 51m
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6rn-6lKBJ8]
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.