Go Matthew, Go Matthew, Go!!!

Rating: 5/10 (18 March 2007)

This is an excellent example of a movie that the greatest thing about it is it's lead performance. Yes, I'm talking about Matthew McConaughy. An actor who I never in a million years thought I would find myself praising, he truly shined in this film.
This is the true story of the town of Huntington, West Virginia. As the Marshall University football team and several prominent town-members were flying home from an away game, the plane crashed, taking the lives of everyone on board. Leaving the town and the college devastated and many families ripped in two, it seemed all hope was lost. The four remaining varsity members, however, were not going to give up. They fight to keep the program alive, and eventually get approval from the board. All that is needed now is a new head coach. Enter Jack Lengyel, otherwise known as McConaughy himself.
Unfortunately, this film is not the best. It's not terrible, but it is also most definitely not great. The story is sad, but then it never reaches triumphant status. There's simply much better sports movies, especially better football movies(Remember the Titans, anyone?).
It is worth it, though, simply for Matthew McConaughy's inspired performance. He plays the head coach Jack Lengyel with ease and endearing. He is the perfect combination of country and intelligence. What makes his performance even greater is the humor he adds to a movie that desperately needed it. You cannot help but get caught up in his enthusiasm. He creates a character that everyone would want to get to know. The rest of the cast is fine, but can't seem to outshine the man himself.
In summation, it's definitely not the best movie of the year, and it's nowhere near the best sports movies list. However, it's lead performance makes it most definitely worth a watch. 5/10 stars.
Jay Addison