An inspiring, amazing, and dramatic portrayal of American Pride

Rating: 9/10 (5 April 2005)

***THIS CONTENT MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*** This is most definitely a movie that will make my top ten list. It is such an incredible movie that came a great time. Much like the actual event this movie came out during a time when Americans needed pride the most. The movie tells of the historical event of when the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team comprised of a bunch of kids from rivaling College Hockey teams beat the seemingly unbeatable Soviet Union Olympic Hockey Team that had all been together for over 15 years. Gold Medalists in 1960, 1968, 1972, and 1976. This team of misfits because a conditioned and disciplined team through the help of their tough couch, Herb Brooks. Together, they defeat the Soviets and win the Gold Medal.
I am a huge hockey fan, I've been playing since i was 4, and i was very pleased, finally to see a hockey movie made where the goaltender has a very important role to play. Jim Craig, if anyone has seen the actual game, truly played phenomenal, there was absolutely no exaggeration in the movie as to how good Jim Craig played. To me as a hockey fan, this movie is absolutely magnificent and inspiring.
The performances throw off the movie a little bit, but for pretty much all of the players in that movie, it was their first time ever actually acting in a major motion picture film. Taking that into consideration the performances were rather well. Kurt Russel who plays Herb Brooks drives this film with his stellar performance as a man who wants to take what he lost 20 years ago.
The sports action in this movie is more realistic, more intense, and just flat out better than any other sport film. For those of you who don't like hockey, you've been missing out for some time now.
This movie really is just amazing, inspiring, and it really give you the sense of American pride. To Walt Disney pictures, i solute you for making one of your best movies ever.
FINAL ANALYSIS: 10.10 ...amazing