Rudy (1993)

Rarely does a film come along that becomes such a cult hit for sports fans, this is not just about football, but about one young man’s dream to have his chance at playing for the University of Notre Dame. Ultimately, this is a testament to the human spirit and one person’s determination to succeed never giving up no-matter how high the stakes are. The screenplay was written by Angelo Pizzo. This was directed by David Anspaugh who previously had success with Hoosiers (1986) which was another sports film starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, and the late great Dennis Hopper.

Aside from his performance as Sam in The Lord of the Rings franchise films, this film is certainly one of Sean Astin’s finest performances to date, as the real life Daniel E. ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger. You might or might not recognize Jon Favreau as D-Bob in this film, who befriends Rudy at the school. He has lost a considerable amount of weight since this was released and he is now known more for his directing efforts including Iron Man 2 (2010). His real life friend Vince Vaughn plays Jamie O’Hara in the film Rudy, and has appeared together with him in a number of other films including Swingers (1996) which Favreau also wrote the screenplay for.

The music score by the extraordinarily talented Jerry Goldsmith adds much dimension and depth to this true story. Without it, I doubt it would have received as much attention by critics and sports fans. I still think it would have been good, but it helped a lot aside from the stellar acting efforts by the cast, I put it into my top 5 all time sports films. It truly is a wonderful film to watch, I highly recommend everyone see this one.

Another reason to watch this is the fine performance by veteran Hollywood icon Ned Beatty who portrays Rudy’s father Daniel Ruettiger. His brother Frank Ruettiger is played by Scott Benjaminson. There are more appearances in this such as the talented Charles S. Dutton who plays a man known as Fortune a greens keeper at the stadium. Greta Lind plays Mary; Mary Ann Thebus plays Betty, Christopher Reed plays Pete. Also, keep your eyes open for Lili Taylor who plays Sherry.

This true story originates in a factory type town where a young man has his dream and sights set high to succeed at all costs and do what he really loves. He had many things against him including his academic level, athletic ability and not being physically big enough through most people’s eyes.  This didn’t stop him from trying his absolute very best and by the ending of the film; you will see how far these efforts take him. Enjoy this classic true-life tale with friends and family.

Rudy

Post from: Chewypopcorn.com
Written by: Terry Larch

Rudy (1993) Review

Into the Wild (2007)

This movie was directed by Sean Penn who does a bit of gorilla filmmaking in this picture. The lead character in this story is played by actor Emile Hirsch, from such movies as Speed Racer (2008). His talent shines through as Chris McCandless a young man who turns his back on the ways of modern day society. He becomes a drifter and decides to adventure into the wilderness with nearly nothing after giving away $24,000 to charity. He meets all types of people along the way of his travels. And he sees nature with a clear set of eyes.

There is some added narration done by his sister who is played by talented actress Jena Malone who you might remember from the movies Cheaters (2000) or Saved! (2004). I happen to remember her from the movie Donnie Darko (2001).

His parents are played by William Hurt as Walt McCandless and Marcia Gay Harden as Billie McCandless. There are a few other noted actors that appear in this one such as Catherine Keener as Jan Burres and Vince Vaughn as Wayne Westerberg.

You will also see up comer Kristen Stewart as Tracy Tatro from Twilight (2008) and Zach Galifanakis from The Hangover (2009) as Kevin.

What sets this story apart, is the way it was told, and how we see the character Chris depart from all that he has known in his life. He enters a deeper world of adventure and danger. He struggles to find himself along the way, and his actions ultimately decide what happens. The music was an interesting choice for the scene transitions and becomes an anthem through the film as he tries to make his way to Alaska. If you have the time, it might be worth the watch, the movie is long.

Into the Wild

Post from: Chewypopcorn.com
Written by: Terry Larch

Into the Wild (2007) Review

The Four Christmases (2008)

My wife and I went to see this one when it came out back last November 26th in 2008. The story sets with all of their parents divorced and it’s during the Christmas holiday season. There is a lot of tension between each family and they each have their own personal problems.

We thought the story and the comedic timing was very well done. There are certain moments in films where the jokes either work or they don’t , this time it worked, and they were well delivered by leading actors Vince Vaughn probably best known from the film Wedding Crashers (2005) in the role of Brad. The lovely Reese Witherspoon plays Kate who is best known from the Legally Blonde (2001) and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003) movies.

The other cast includes veteran actors: Robert Duvall as Brad’s father Howard, Sissy Spacek as Brad’s mother Paula. One of his brothers is played by Jon Favreau as Denver who is a friend of Vince Vaughn they have worked together before in movies such as The Break-Up (2006). Jon also is a director, but he didn’t direct this one. His other brother is played by country music singer Tim McGraw as Dallas who is married in real life to country music star Faith Hill. I thought he did well in this role, maybe there is room for him in Hollywood as an actor.

There are more noted actors in this such as Kate’s parents who are played by Mary Steenburgen as Marilyn who is married in real life to actor Ted Danson. And her father is played by future screen legend Jon Voight as Creighton. Her sister Courtney is played by Kristin Chenoweth who you have probably seen in the movie RV (2006).  She has a bubbly personality that shows on screen.  It is fitting that she already did a voice for the Disney movie Tinker Bell as Rosetta.  She will be in the upcoming Tinker Bell movie also doing the same character voice over.
Dwight Yoakam also makes an appearance in this one as Pastor Phil. There must be a country music connection going somewhere with the casting of this film. Also keep an eye open for screen star Jack Donner who also appears as Grandpa and Colleen Camp as Aunt Donna. I recommend seeing this one.

Four Christmases

Post from: Chewypopcorn.com
Written by: Terry Larch

Four Christmases (2008) Review