Rudy (1993)

Rudy is an inspiring family-oriented film about finding the motivation to accomplish your dreams. Rudy is My Dog Skip meets Friday Night Lights minus the dog and replacing fanatical Texas high school football with dyed-in-the-wool Notre Dame college football. The movie is based on the true story of Rudy Ruettiger, played by Sean Astin (who, ten years later as Samwise Gamgee in Lord of the Rings, would utter the words "Please, Mr. Frodo -- don't let him turn me into anything ... unnatural"). Sean's specialties seem to be dewy-eyed looks, curly brown locks, and indefatigable optimism. (He's as cute as a puppy dog, plays the role of the underdog to a tee, and takes a licking but keeps on ticking.) The way this youngest (and dyslexic) son takes knocks from his family and the townfolk greatly endears him to families who watch this movie -- but even more so how he clings to and intensely pursues his dream to apply to and attend the University of Notre Dame and to play football with the Fighting Irish. "I'll do anything, coach!" is his refrain off the field while "I can do it!" is his refrain on the field. Indeed, the coach ultimately wishes his players had half the heart that Rudy shows in spades. Families (esp. Catholic or football-loving ones) will love Rudy and enjoy it again and again. Personally, I can appreciate the story more than the pro forma script, directing and acting. Ned Beatty as Rudy's father feels like he's holding back and, in what should be the most emotional scene, we are turned away from Sean's face to view him from behind before we hear him burble a bit and walk away. Even one of Sean's trademark dewy-eyed looks and a few murmured words would have been closer to what anyone would consider to be acting in this scene. So to sum up, I love the story even though the movie didn't grab me as emotionally as I think it does for most people who read their feelings into the characters; I just prefer it when characters portray the feelings the script calls for. Rudy is the underdog to root for though, so be sure to see it with your family. I suspect your kids will love it even more than you do. 3.5 stars.