Friday, July 29, 2011

5 of My Favorite Sports Movies

Remember the Titans is the true story of one town's struggle and victory over racism. When the head football coach position at TC Williams High School is given away to African American Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) the town instantly becomes divided, none more so than the football team. Coach Boone has one chance to find a way to make them look beneath the surface.
This is probably Tad's favorite movie and I've gotta agree that it's an awesome one. When it came out I was in high school and our football team went to see it. They were very inspired and followed the Titan's lead all the way to the State Championship. They even adopted their unique warm up style!
Watch Clip Here
Invincible is another true story that was captured on film. It follows Vince Papale on his journey from being an out of work substitute teacher/bartender who's wife recently left him to becoming what he'd always dreamed of, a Philadelphia Eagle. In the process he also became the beacon of hope his family, friends, and even city needed to look to.
I really love this movie. Watch it, that's all I have to say.
Watch Clip Here
This version of The Longest Yard is a remake of a a previous version starring Burt Reynolds. While Burt has a role in this new version, it's not quite as large as his former starring role. Adam Sandler plays Paul Crewe, a former football star who was banned from playing football for point shaving. When he decides to get drunk and take an unauthorized joy ride in his girlfriend's car he ends up in prison. Against his better judgment he agrees to turn the inmates into a football team to play the guards in a 'tune up' game. This time around Paul is playing from the heart and things are getting very interesting!
This is the only movie on this list that isn't a true story. I was a little skeptical of this movie when I saw that Adam Sandler was the lead. Mostly because I thought it would be one of his crazy films. I was surprised to find that this is no Happy Gilmore. This movie has heart and substance. It was so good to see Adam play a strong, lead role like this. Although I wouldn't let your younger kids watch this one. There are a few crude parts that are for grown ups only.
Watch Clip Here
Glory Road, yet another true story, follows the Texas Western College basketball team as they make history for playing in the NCAA tournament with an all-black starting line-up. When the formally losing Texas Western basketball team hires a new coach, Don Haskins, they're surprised at his new ideas. Lacking the money and prestige to lure the top prospects of the day, Don decides to recruit African-American's. Taking them from being a 'token' member of the team, to the heart of it. Most people didn't take them very seriously until they started winning. The shear hatred thrown at the Texas Western team is enough to make anyone run for the hills, but Coach Haskins refuses to let it stop his players from going for the win.
The level of hatred that is thrown at this team made me take a step back. I had never realized the amount of racism that was still lingering in our not-so-distant past. This movie is amazing.
Watch Clip Here
Coach Carter (yet another true story) is about Ken Carter. Ken grew up in Richmond, and was their star basketball player on the Oilers. He learned first hand how the school system fails it's students every year, and now he's taken the head coach position in an attempt to fix it. Not only is he trying to teach his rude, undisciplined team some pride and manners, he's also trying to get them to want more out of life than a crappy apartment and a criminal record. When his mission gets in the way of the teams undefeated record things get ugly. Now we'll see if the Richmond Oilers have learned anything from their new coach.
This is another of Tad's favorite movies, whenever we see a commercial for it Tad always says, "I'm not a teacher. I'm your new basketball coach." in what, I'm sure, he thinks of as a good imitation of Samuel L. Jackson. Another awesome movie. Watch it. Love it.

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