The Marshall Plan.

Rating: Null/10 (8 August 2007)

A tragic plane crash ends up killing all members of the 1970 Marshall University football team unfortunate enough to be on board. Marshall, a college located in Huntington, West Virginia is devastated by the horrific events. Struggles aplenty take place now as the university tries to heal itself, but healing is not always simple or easy. University President David Strathairn must do all in his power just to field a team as freshmen were not allowed to participate collegiately back in those days. Thus, special permission must be received from the NCAA. New head coach Matthew McConaughey and an assistant (Matthew Fox of "Lost" glory) who happened to not be on the doomed flight take center-stage as the two men who try to field a team in the face of the greatest of adversities. "We Are Marshall" is full of cinematic syrup, like you might expect, but it really does not matter. The film works due to strong performers (led by Straithairn) and a truly engrossing and emotional story which rises above many other productions of the type because of its realism and astute character development. One of those movies which excels because of its heart more than anything else. Kudos to director McG in bringing this important event in sports history to the silver screen. 4 stars out of 5.