Probably the best sports movie ever

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 1999)

This is a film whose central theme of rebirth and revitalization (which occurs in all major characters in addition to the team and the town as a whole) is all too common in cinema. Yet, its scenes are presented with a wholesome authenticity that somehow makes its message seem fresh, despite all the formulatic elements. This is achieved predominantly through the incredible screen prescence of Hackman and Hopper. Especially poignant is the scene in which Hackman intentionally gets himself thrown out in order to force Hopper to pull himself together and take responsibility. In this part and others, Hackman's dry wit and Hopper's nervousness remain fully convincing. This is one of those movies that will keep its "magic" even if you have - like me - been watching it an average of 3 times a year since you were six years old...even to the extent that I'll still get a little teary-eyed in the last scene.