Fantastic for Domers; wonderful for everyone else

Rating: 8/10 (22 July 2001)

Okay, I admit it: I graduated from Notre Dame in 1981, just after this wonderful story actually happened. And as a "Domer", this movie has a special place in my heart. I cry every time Rudy gets that last letter from the admissions office -- I remember my own fears the day I got mine from Notre Dame. So, I can't be objective about "Rudy" -- I have a personal, sentimental attachment to its heart-warming story.
But after talking with many, many others who have seen this terrific film -- most of whom don't know anything about Notre Dame or its legendary football teams -- I now realize that everyone who has seen "Rudy" has found real inspiration in its story.
Sean Astin does a remarkable job playing someone that overcame his limitations through sheer perseverance. I must admit that the pacing of the film slows a bit in the middle -- a little judicious editing would have kept the story moving a bit better -- but this is a minor quibble. Other than that, it's a great story, well crafted -- what more do you want from a movie?
One last note: many of my friends that have seen "Rudy" have commented to me that there really can't be families that are so fanatical about Fighting Irish football. Believe me, that part of the story is as real as it gets -- trust me on that one.
Watch "Rudy" -- you'll love it. Oh, and GO IRISH!