Slater Scarborough

At last, a movie that gives football action and comedy and a good plot in equal parts! Far too often we’re stuck with a movie that has one of those elements, to the detriment of the other two. This movie combines all of those, however, to make a compelling (if somewhat predictable) story which is based on the true story of the Redskins bringing in replacement players during the 1980’s player strike. This movie offers some of the best football action and quotable lines in any sports movie ever. In addition to this, it also captures the general feeling that many people have felt when they’ve been on a sports team and been in the locker room; the humor, trust, tension, performance, and connection are all a part of being on a team, and this movie captures all of that and helps the viewer feel as though they, too can relate to these players. Nothing, I think, helps people feel more connected to the team as when the players talk about their fears. This scene helps cement the camaraderie the viewer has with the team, the teammates have with each other, and cements this film as an all-time classic sports movie! 5/5

As with any film about a true story, the creative team has to choose one to more strictly adhere to: the facts or the fantastical story. It’s very hard to pick one without compromising the other, particularly on a limited budget. I think this film walks the line as well as any film really could! While some reviewers may nitpick more showy explosions or people carrying the wrong title or certain plot points during battle that seem a little too convenient, these don’t hurt the film at all in my opinion. I think the story is told in a straightforward fashion which honors the men who fought in the Congo and, at the same time, makes that story accessible to modern audiences, many of whom have never heard of this event. I think the movie doesn’t go so far with the effects so as to upstage the valor exemplified in the situation, but it does go far enough with the effects to keep the movie accessible to the general public. 5/5, This film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys history! If you’re not already familiar with the subject material, as I wasn’t, it will certainly broaden your view of the Cold War and global politics in the 1960’s.