We Are. . . Marshall!

Rating: 8/10 (4 January 2009)

Over the past few years, the movie theatres have been packed full of inspiration sports movies. Sure, there have always been films like that, but the past few years has definitely had a rise in the trend. One of the most popular types is the 'rise from the bottom' story. . . especially football. 'We Are Marshall' is one of those.
The story is one that most know: After the plane carrying Marshall University's football team crashes, killing nearly all on board, the players and coaches remaining decide to fight the odds and rebuild the team, continuing on with the season.
This is a film, like 'Brian's Song,' that was made solely with the intent to make men cry. I'll admit: I'm a crier. Not ashamed of that. And this film definitely did its job. From the start, it was extremely emotional. Ranging from the hardest of lows (seeing Paul Griffen's face as he searches the wreckage for his son) to the greatest of highs (seeing an entire school chanting in unison for their team), 'We Are Marshall' manages to capture it all. It does get a little too hokey & sappy at times and there's a LOT of crying by the characters in the movie (but I suppose it's excusable in the circumstances). The performances are, for the most part, good. I've never been a big fan of Matt Fox, but it may just be his style, not his talent.
Now, there are a few flaws. The writing is a bit predictable. Not so much the story, though they didn't do much to 'surprise' us (as it's a true story), but it's the dialogue that was a bit unoriginal. Regardless, it works, even if it's not exactly true to the era sometimes.
On the positive side, McG, who gets a lot of flack for his commercial film-making (sometimes rightfully so, but not here), does a good job with the direction and captures the town (which, to be honest, isn't as nice it looks here, no offense) in a good light.
Overall, it's a strong sports film that goes beyond and enters the realm of man-appropriate tearjerker.
Final Verdict: 7.5/10
-AP3-