The littlest guy goes up against the odds

Rating: 8/10 (20 October 2013)

Sports movies always have a appeal on me. In my perspective, they are categorized as inspiring, moving and emotional. Some of those sports movies that are in that category are Rocky, The Natural, Hoosiers and Breaking Away. Rudy is a exception to the rule. It's premise is so moving and so touching that we forget that we're watching a story being developed. Sean Astin plays the title character and he plays a young kid from Joliet, who dreams of becoming a Norte Dame football player. His parents, especially his father, played by Ned Beatty, are shocked and try to convince Astin's character to think about his choice. The family that he lives in isn't rich, as the father said to his son. So, Rudy, Astin's character, works his way to achieve his dream. But, there are drawbacks that comes in his way when trying to pursue his dream. His older brother of the family dies during work and Rudy goes to Holy Cross. In order for Rudy to be transfers to Notre Dame, he has to have good grades and also have to be at the top of his game. Finally, Rudy does get into Notre Dame and his dreams of success falls into failures and redemption as he fights his way toward the end. As I said before, Rudy is a exception to the rule. It does has a very nice premise to the story. It is also moving in the way Astin portrays his character. This 5 foot kid is trying real hard to pursue his dream and achieve his goal. The movie is not only about sports, but also about academics. It's a familiar ground cover that most kids fall into because kids who do play sports have to be aware of their academics as well. Ned Beatty, who plays the father, gives a very fine performance. And also, Charles S. Dutton plays a janitor, who works at Notre Dame and befriends Rudy. He too give a very good and a very strong screen presence. The reason why I said that is because Dutton explains to Rudy the meaning of success and the meaning of failure. Failure is not a option. Success is a winner. Rudy works as a moving, inspiring and very well-told true story that is based on the real Rudy Ruettiger that attended Notre Dame in 1975. The movie is also directed by David Anspaugh, who also directed Hoosiers. He does know how to make a very good sport movie, with all the right tools and all the right performances to make it exceptional. ★★★ 1/2 3 1/2 stars.