The Indomitable Power Of The Human Spirit

Rating: 8/10 (22 September 2018)

"Rudy" was released to theaters in 1993. By today's Hollywood standards, that is getting on in age. For a film like this, however, time is (and will continue to be) almost a non-factor, as a movie so based in human themes and emotions will never cease to be relevant.
For a basic plot summary, "Rudy" is based on the real-life story of Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin), whose entire goal in life from childhood onward was to enroll at Notre Dame and play football for the Irish. The problem? His grades aren't up to snuff coming out of high school, his short stature makes football seem like a pipe dream, and father Daniel (Ned Beatty) doesn't encourage his dreams. Through hard work and extreme determination, however, Rudy manages to put himself in position for those dreams to come true. Will he be able to take that final step and run out of the tunnel in pads? That's what the film ultimately builds up to.
Much like, say, "Hoosiers" or "Dead Poets Society", "Rudy" is a film that almost gets an "average" knock now because it practically invented a genre that is now basically the standard for inspirational sports films. There was no "teacher standing on the desk" cliche before Robin Williams, no "measuring the basket" scene until Hackman, and no "power of sheer motivation" emotional tear-jerkers before "Rudy". So, while watching this film now it may seem like you've seen this type before, just remember that is only because "Rudy" started the trend!
As a football fan myself, it is tough to believe I hadn't seen this one all the way through until my 32nd year on this planet. To me, Astin was always "Samwise the Hobbit" from Lord of the Rings! Like I said previously, I think I was a bit scared away by the "done to death" cliches that it seems to represent. I'm glad I finally "caved", however, as this is a truly special and emotional film.
Overall, "Rudy" is one of the greats in both its own genre (sports) as well as of all-time. Even those who have no idea what football is all about can appreciate Rudy's inspirational story.