American Underdog

Plot Summary:

American Underdog is the story of Kurt Warner and his hard-won, yet meteoric rise from obscurity and poverty to the NFL Hall of Fame.

Why It Makes My List:

This film falls firmly and comfortably in the category of a feel good, inspirational film in every sense of the genre. That is by no means a criticism but, rather, an invitation to anyone that could use some inspiration. The hardships and struggles that Kurt and his family experienced together make their victories all the sweeter. Ultimately, though, the film's focus on personal integrity, family, and not giving up on your dreams rightly outshine any limited focus on his outward success or glory.

Other Reasons to Watch:

1. Zachary Levi is a gem and a whole lot of fun to watch. While this isn't a comedy, he sprinkles scenes with his natural comedic flare here and there.
2. Anna Paquin turns in a sincere and admirable performance as Brenda Warner. She helps to deepen the themes of the film, especially as it relates to the importance of family and sticking together through hardship.

Reason to Pass:

1. If You're Not a Fan of Faith-Based Films: While not the focus of the film, per se, faith in God played a role in the film, given the real life characters' deep Christian faith. If that is something that you dislike seeing in film, then you might want to skip this one.

American Underdog is available on various streaming services. 

As always, I recommend checking out the IMDB.com Parents Guide just so that you are aware of any potentially objectionable material before deciding whether to watch it.