The Blind Side

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 23, 2010

Plot 411: A well-to-do Memphis woman takes in a homeless kid who grows up to become an NFL athlete.

Review: The movie was really emotional, endearing, inspirational and heartwarming, but I don't know if Sandra Bullock really deserved the Oscar. I mean, she did a great job in a difficult role and pulled off the bossy, no-nonsense character, but I don't think the performance was exceptional. Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a woman who saw a child in need and extended her hand to help. She took in Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a boy from the other side of town who had been in and out of system. His mother was a drug addict. He was essentially alone. Tuohy opened up her family and their home to help him succeed. She supported him when no one else would. She fed and clothed him and even became his legal guardian. This is a story about love. Also great in this film is Jae Head, the actor who plays Tuohy's younger son. He is precocious and extremely funny. Tim McGraw, Lily Collins and Kathy Bates round out the cast.

Watch It: Because Bullock's character is extremely likable despite her pushy ways.

Skip It: If you're looking for a football movie because that's not what this one's about.

The Replacements

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 11, 2000

DVD Release Date: November 28, 2000

Plot 411: An ex-football player is given a second chance when he is called in as a replacement during a pro football strike.

Review: My favorite quote from this movie: "Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever." I like it. It's a good motto by which to live your life. Keanu Reeves plays Shane, a former college stand out who choked during an important game and didn't do well in his one season of pro ball. When the players of the Washington Sentinels strike over salary disputes, their coach (Gene Hackman) must find replacements for the final four games. Only three wins away from post-season, he puts together a mishmash of players, including a soccer player (Rhys Ifans), an inmate (Michael Jace), a cop (Jon Favreau), a sumo wrestler (Ace Yonamine), a deaf guy (David Denman) and a stockboy (Orlando Jones). While not necessarily deep, I still like the message behind a movie like this - that hard work and sacrifice triumphs in the end; that you've got to want it more than the next guy; that you've got to be thankful for the good things in life; and that you've got to believe in yourself. All of these themes are empowering and can be expounded upon and applied to all kinds of situations in life. As unlikely as the outcome of this movie is, I still found it inspiring. Watching this movie was almost like being there because you felt like you were one of these underdogs just trying to live a dream.

Watch It: For Reeves' amazingly bouncy hair. It's almost a character of its own.

Skip It: Because it really does ask you to suspend your disbelief for the entire time.

Necessary Roughness

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 27, 1991

DVD Release Date: January 30, 2001

Plot 411: A college is forced to rebuild its entire football team, including its coaches, after a scandal.

Review: This is a fun football movie starring Scott Bakula as Paul, an older-than-average college quarterback. He and his patchwork of teammates and coaches are replacements at their university and must try to uphold the school's winning tradition. However, the dean (Larry Miller) is doing his best to see that they fail so he can stop the sport. Paul convinces a grad student named Andre (Sinbad) to join the team as well and together they try to shape up the crew. This is another movie about underdogs, which most people will probably like. The football is okay. The acting is okay. The comedy is okay. All in all it's an average film with nothing exciting to mention. Also in this film are Kathy Ireland, Hector Elizondo, Robert Loggia, Jason Bateman and Rob Schneider.

Watch It: Because who doesn't like Sinbad?

Skip It: And you won't really miss much.

X-Games: The Movie

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: August 21, 2009

DVD Release Date: January 12, 2010

Plot 411: A documentary about X-Games 14 that focuses on rally cars, skateboarding, snowboarding and motorcross.

Review: This movie is probably unbelievable on a 3D screen, because even watching it at home was pretty spectacular. The massive tricks that these athletes are doing are jaw-dropping crazy. I would've liked more commentary from them and a bit more about their history. However, I suppose anyone watching this type of film is probably familiar with its players. These adventure sports athletes are indeed nuts. Some of the stunts they're pulling are simply insane! After watching this, you'll never equate a skater with a slacker as these guys are training to do the impossible. The movie is narrated by Emile Hirsch and focuses on Shaun White, Travis Pastrana, Ricky Carmichael, Danny Way, Bob Burnquist, Kyle Loza and Jake Brown.

Watch It: If you're an extreme sports fanatic or you want to see just exactly how crazy some people can be.

Skip It: If you're looking for a true documentary. This one focuses more on the competition aspect than interviews with people.

Surfwise

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: May 9, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 29, 2008

Plot 411: An interesting look at one family's alternative lifestyle - eat clean, live clean, surf clean.

Review: This documentary focused on the life and teachings of Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz and his family of 11. After becoming a successful medical doctor, Doc gave up his practice to travel the world with his family. His third wife Juliette became mother of eight boys and a girl. Together they lived financially poor but emotionally rich. The children were not properly educated in the public school system of any country. Instead, they learned life lessons on the road and were able to focus on the fundamentals of life. These teachings had a profound effect on everyone, and through the doc you'll see how it both positively and negatively affected the kids. Doc's teachings seem to weave together outrageous ideas and his non-conforming outlook puzzled many people, including his children. It's hard to tell whether he was a philosopher ahead of his times or simply a dictator with complete authority over his brood. If nothing else, this doc will give you a glimpse of another life and lifestyle and help you see another way of living.

Watch It: Because it's kinda weird in a cult-like way but also awe inspiring.

Skip It: If you're a conservative fundamentalist. This guy will seem like a radical.

The World's Fastest Indian

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 13, 2005 (New Zealand) / February 3, 2006 (USA)

DVD Release Date: June 13, 2006

Plot 411: A New Zealander dreams of speed and travels to Utah to test the mechanics on his 1920 Indian motorcycle.

Review: Anthony Hopkins plays Burt Munro, a man who never gave up on his dreams. Always dreaming of speed and ways to go faster, Munro steadily worked on his Indian motorcycle for years. He was famous in Australia and New Zealand for having the fastest bike, but he was determined to prove this to the world. After facing much ridicule and doubt from his neighbors, Munro makes the trip to America where he hopes to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Upon arriving in the U.S., Burt runs into numerous issues that hold him up. However, his good nature and straightforward attitude win many people over and he's able to make his way to the races. What I really liked about this movie is that it proves once again that through hard work and determination one can achieve their dreams. Munro is faced with many issues that commonly discourage even the best of us, such as being physically too old or weak, not having the "right" stuff (In Munro's case, this is racing an ancient bike), clashes of culture or a wall of red tape. Despite all of this, Munro never gives up on his dreams. Some may think he's a looney, but genius is oftentimes mistaken for it too. The fact that this is a true story and Munro's record still stands today is a testament to one's own fortitude when faced with doubt, discrimination and ridicule.

Watch It: For inspiration to take your hobby to the next level.

Skip It: And miss out on one of Hopkins' great performances.

Stick It

Rating:

Movie Release Date: April 28, 2006

DVD Release Date: September 19, 2006

Plot 411: Bring It On meets the X-Games.

Review: I enjoy these mindless teen sports comedies. So sue me! LOL! This one stars Jeff Bridges as Burt, a gymnastic coach, and Missy Peregrym as Haley, a former gymnast-turned-daredevil. After experiencing a personal tragedy, Missy walked out on her gymnastics team and got as far away from the mat as possible. She still caught air, but her equipment of choice was the bmx bike. Unfortunately, she's back in the gym by court order and, despite her initial resistence, is ready to shake up the girls and the gymnastics world. Alright, so the plot is barely there, the dialogue tries too hard to be cool and the acting is just alright, but I still liked this movie. There's just something about the rebellious nature in Missy that compelled me to keep watching. Dare to be different and all that.

Watch It: If you enjoyed Bring It On.

Skip It: Because The Mighty Ducks is a better movie any day of the week.

Fired Up!

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: June 9, 2009

Plot 411: Two football players ditch training camp to attend cheer camp instead.

Review: This movie is definitely not groundbreaking in either plot or genre, but it did have a couple of good laughs. Nicholas D'Agosto plays Shawn and Eric Christian Olsen plays Nick, two jocks whose goal in life is to hook up with as many girls as possible. When Nick suggests they go to cheerleader camp, the boys think they've hit the jackpot. They hope to seduce all three hundred girls during the three-week camp and continue on their way. What they don't plan for is Carly (Sarah Roemer), the head cheerleader who actually has some morals and brains. She intrigues Shawn because of her obvious distaste for all that he stands for. Nick, on the other hand, is still playing the field and even tries to come on to the cheer coach (Molly Sims). The rest of the movie is exactly what you think it is - young things prancing around in near nakedness and piercing, rhythmic cheering. The movie was actually better than I thought it'd be, but I didn't really have high standards for it anyway. It's a somewhat irreverent teen comedy with good looking people and a few gay male cheerleaders thrown into the mix. It's an interesting addition to the cheerleader genre.

Watch It: If you think you'll like a cross between American Pie and Bring It On.

Skip It: If you've got high quality film standards.

Million Dollar Baby

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 14, 2004

DVD Release Date: July 12, 2005

Plot 411: Against his better judgment, a once-great trainer takes an older female boxer under his wing.

Review: Clint Eastwood stars as Frankie, an aging boxing trainer and gym owner. When Maggie (Hilary Swank) shows up at his gym and asks him to train her, he refuses. She returns every day, proves that she is serious about the training and at last Frank relents. Through their training Maggie is able to learn the skills needed to be a great boxer. As she slowly gains notoriety, she attempts to help her financially struggling family, except they do not appreciate her assistance. Frankie also has a rough relationship with his daughter, and even though he writes to her every week, many of the letters come back unopened. Together Maggie and Frankie find in each other what is truly lacking in their lives and become very close. When tragedy strikes, one asks the other to do something unthinkable. Will their relationships be able to survive the stress? The story is narrated by Frankie's former student Eddie, played by Morgan Freeman. This is a heavy, heavy movie to watch and definitely not for the faint of heart. It confronts many things that are normally taboo in Hollywood flicks. But, I suppose it's Eastwood so he can do whatever he wants. The movie tugs at your heartstrings as well as your moral center. It simply asks you how far you'd go for someone you love. Sometimes the answer will surprise you.

Watch It: For an emotional rollercoaster of a film with powerful performances by Eastwood and Swank.

Skip It: If you're not in the mindset for some inner turmoil.

Any Given Sunday

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 22, 1999

DVD Release Date: September 1, 2000

Plot 411: A once-great football team has had several bad years and the new owner and veteran coach butt heads on coaching methods.

Review: Coach D'Amato (Al Pacino), who has led the Miami Sharks to several championships over the years, is caught in the crosshairs of new owner Christina (Cameron Diaz), who has just inherited the team from her father. Believing that D'Amato is over-the-hill and his teaching methods are outdated, she hires a new offensive coordinator (Aaron Eckhart) to breathe some life into the team. Christina is a shrewd woman and successful finances is a top priority for her. Because of this and many losing seasons, she plans on replacing D'Amato at the season's end. When injuries strike the team, third-string quarterback Willie Beamen (Jamie Foxx) leads the team to several wins after some initial setbacks. He soon becomes arrogant and this causes friction between him and many of the other players. This movie gives audiences a good look at the inner workings of professional sports - the good and the bad. It comments on how the sport is promoted, scrutinizes the coaching and players, their motives and commitments, looks at the luxurious and lavish lives that the players' families are privy to and the corruption within the sport. It's a stark contrast to the typical fan's point of view and also parodies many within professional football. Also in this film are LL Cool J, James Wood, Dennis Quaid, Lauren Holly, Matthew Modine and John C. McGinley.

Watch It: For one of Diaz's few serious roles. She's actually pretty good in this one.

Skip It: If a straight football movie is what you're looking for. This is more about the people than it is about the sport.

Coach Carter

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 13, 2005

DVD Release Date: June 21, 2005

Plot 411: When a new basketball coach comes to town, he emphasizes both academics and athletics and changes the way his players view their future.

Review: Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) returns to his high school alma mater and takes over the position of basketball coach. When he arrives, his players are undisciplined and barely attend classes. Some players have drama going on in their lives, such as teen pregnancy, that may jeopardize their future despite their abilities. He quickly establishes new rules that the boys must follow in order to remain on the team. Some boys like Timo Cruz (Rick Gonzalez) decide to leave the team and fall deeper into violence, gangs and drug dealing. When Carter discovers some of the boys aren't holding up their end of the deal, he cancels practices and forfeits games so that his players can study. This riles up the community, which believes that sports are the only way their kids will ever get out of poverty. Tension builds between Carter, the school, parents and the community as his atypical approach makes media headlines. This movie was produced by MTV Films and succeeds in its efforts to market toward a younger demographic in the same way it did with Save The Last Dance. It showcased a lot of young, new talent like Rob Brown, Robert Ri'chard, Channing Tatum and Ashanti. Of the bunch, Tatum has really seen his career skyrocket. The movie comes across as gritty, but somehow I don't find it very believable. It's very polished and seems like it's trying too hard to be ghetto. The cinematography is a lot different than movies such as City Of God, which I think captures the poverty and desperation of the people a lot more realistically.

Watch It: For the Hawaii connections - Denise Dowse plays the school principal and Rob Fukuzaki makes a cameo as a reporter.

Skip It: If you're looking for a realistic portrayal of the human experience. This depiction is dusted with Hollywood and MTV's glamor.

Cool Runnings

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: October 1, 1993

DVD Release Date: August 24, 1999

Plot 411: A story loosely based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team of 1988.

Review: This is the inspirational tale about the Jamaican bobsled team whose sportsmanship and courage gained them a bit of respect where there previously had only been derision. John Candy plays Irv Blitzer, a former Olympic gold medalist from America. After becoming involved in an Olympic scandal, he goes to Jamaica to retire. He becomes a bookie and wallows in his self-pity. However, when 100 meter sprinter Derice (Leon) is disqualified from the summer Olympics, he and some other friends (Malik Yoba, Doug E. Doug and Rawle D. Lewis) try to pursuade Irv to teach them to bobsled in time for the winter Olympics. Faced with many obstacles, like the lack of snow and inadequate equipment, the team strives to qualify for the Olympics no matter what the cost. Cool Runnings is one of those movies I still remember from my childhood. It had a great impact on me because of its inspirational message - follow your dreams. The heart shown by the team and their concerted effort to succeed is something to which everyone can aspire.

Watch It: If you're facing a new challenge and feel as though the whole world is against you. This'll give you the boost you need to strive toward your goals.

Skip It: If you're sick and tired of Disney's family sports movies like The Mighty Ducks.

Invincible

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: August 25, 2006

DVD Release Date: December 19, 2006

Plot 411: A regular Joe gets his shot at playing for he Philadelphia Eagles when a new coaches holds open try outs.

Review: Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale, a Philly bartender whose life isn't turning out very well. He recently lost a teaching job and his wife has asked for a divorce. But, with the support of his friends, he reluctantly tries out for the Philadelphia Eagles football squad in 1976. Beyond all belief, he makes the team at age 30 and becomes the oldest guy to do so without playing college ball. The movie is based on a true story and focuses on Papale's struggles and triumphs and his invincible spirit. One of the best scenes is when Papale and his friends are playing football in the street with all of their car lights on. The look and feel of the film really is a throwback to the '70s. It sort of has that nostalgic air about it. Wahlberg always does well in these athletic, manly men-type roles and does not disappoint in this movie. Elizabeth Banks plays his love interest and Greg Kinnear plays his coach, Dick Vermeil. This movie sucks you in because everyone loves an underdog. You've gotta cheer for a fan whose dream to play for his favorite team actually comes true. However, nothing in life comes easy and Papale's experience in the NFL cannot be described as easy. His fight to prove himself and his determination not to give in or give up is an inspiration.

Watch It: For a good underdog movie and a decent sports film.

Skip It: If you're looking for a great sports film.

Angels In The Outfield

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 15, 1994

DVD Release Date: April 23, 2002

Plot 411: Two foster kids who love baseball cause a sensation when one of them begins seeing angels.

Review: A young Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Roger, a boy who wishes on a star for the California Angels to win a penant, because this is when his deadbeat dad told him they'll become a family again. When Roger begins to see real angels like Al (Christopher Lloyd) helping the team, he informs their coach George Knox (Danny Glover). Whenever Roger sees an angel, he tells Knox. Against his better judgment, Knox does what Roger says and the team begins to win games. Can they win enough games to reunite father and son? You never know . . . because angels are always watching. This is a good family dramedy from the '90s that deals with some serious issues like the fostercare system and faith. Gordon-Levitt does a good job at playing the down-but-never-out Roger, who, despite life's circumstances, still believes in goodness. With a child-like innocence, he creates a fervor in the entire Angels team. Soon the team, who is down in the dumps, begins to have faith in each other and develops a will to succeed. Led by Mel, an ailing pitcher (Tony Danza), the team is soon better than ever. The film includes some now-famous actors like Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey. Why don't they make movies like this these days?

Watch It: For a throwback to times when good old fashion family sports movies were all the rage in Hollywood.

Skip It: If The Sandlot, Rookie Of The Year and all the other baseball films of the '90s seem to be playing the same song.

Rising Son: The Legend Of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: Not available

DVD Release Date: November 14, 2006

Plot 411: Documentary about the ups and downs in the life of skateboarding phenom Christian Hosoi.

Review: In this doc narrated by Dennis Hopper, we explore the fast-paced life of Christian Hosoi. In the early '80s, Hosoi shot to stardom because of his natural gift for skateboarding and his charismatic personality. He was innovative and excelled in contests. He knew how to work the media and market himself and his companies to maximum profit. However, he also had a zen-like attitude toward money and believed that it was transitory and not the main meaning of life. His lifestyle grew more and more extravagant and skating took him across the world. He partied like a rock star with rock stars and actors and all of Hollwood. He was the "it" man of the '80s. When skating trends began to change, he wasn't able to cope and fell into drugs. He was eventually incarcerated for possession of crystal meth with an intent to sell. He served part of his time, found God in the process and was released early. If you're a skate fan, this is an intriguing look into the world of one of the originators. This era follows up the Dogtown and Z-Boys generation, and it's cool to see how the sport is progressing. Hosoi had a massive influence on thousands of skaters that came after him. The doc is filled with testimonies from world-class skaters, like Tony Hawk, and even some actors like David Arquette and Jason Lee. It also shows a bit about his early family life and the influence his dad had on him. His dad is from Hawaii and met his mom in the islands while in college.

Watch It: For a bit of skating history and a look at the cost of fame.

Skip It: If you haven't seen the Dogtown and Z-Boys doc yet. Some of the same people are in this film.

Annapolis

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 27, 2006

DVD Release Date: June 27, 2006

Plot 411: An underachiever is accepted into the Naval Academy and is confronted with obstacles that he faces head on.

Review: The movie focuses on Jake Huard (James Franco), a working class guy who lives with his father Bill (Brian Goodman). The two butt heads constantly and barely have anything in common despite working together building ships for the Navy. When Jake gets accepted into the Naval Academy, he goes across the river to study and isn't prepared for what that really means. The Academy is tough and strenuous, mentally and physically. He becomes friends with other plebes (first-year students), but everyone is very intent on succeeding themselves. Jake clashes with one of the instructors, Cole (Tyrese Gibson), who is an active-duty Marine. Cole takes all drills and tests seriously because he knows that one of these kids could save his life one day and preparation is key. This pushes Jake to the limit and he must learn respect and chain of command. Hazing and punishment is part of the rituals at the Academy but is also shown to be a necessity to toughen up students for real life. I thought it was interesting to see the inside of such a prestigious institution. Who knows if this is really what it's like though. Perhaps it's even worse in real life? The movie demonstrated the mental and physical acuteness one must possess to find success in the military. It might even be responsible for encouraging people to appreciate service men and women a bit more. Overall, I thought it was a good little movie with a decent plotline. It's nothing groundbreaking but was entertaining nonetheless. Others in the film include Donnie Wahlberg and Jordana Brewster.

Watch It: If you're into the tough love scene where "no pain, no gain" is the motto.

Skip It: If you're expecting Donnie Wahlberg to go big with this movie. He was more of a supporting actor.

The Sandlot

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: April 7, 1993

DVD Release Date: January 29, 2002

Plot 411: The new kid on the block spends his summer bonding with the kids from the sandlot and "the beast."

Review: "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” This is clearly a legend of a coming-of-age movie in my book. Bookish Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry) moves to L.A. with his mom (Karen Allen) and stepdad (Denis Leary). In an effort to make friends, he follows some boys to a dirt field affectionately called "the sandlot." Here, he is taught the great game of baseball by the local kids and is taken under the wing of Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), who is the best player in their neighborhood. However, when an over-the-fence homerun knocks a ball signed by Babe Ruth into the domain of "the beast," the boys must find a way to recover it despite their fear of the ferocious dog. Not only does this movie have it all (comedy, drama, intrigue and wholesomeness), it is especially good at relating to kids. All the little details that are so important when you're 10 or 12 years old is important in this movie. The idea of losing a baseball over the fence feels immense. Getting a kiss from a pretty girl is a life or death situation. A day can seem like a year when it's summer and you have all your friends with you. This movie captures this feeling of childhood innocence and enthusiasm like no movie of its kind. Everything is there in this film, including inspirational themes like realizing your dreams and overcoming your fears. And yet, in its purest form, this is just a movie about a summer of baseball. Genius.

Watch It: For a good amount of childhood fun and adventure that will have you reliving your own summer adventures.

Skip It: If maybe hockey is your thing and you'd prefer Mighty Ducks. I think that movie is good in its own right but it's no Sandlot. There's something about the '60s that just makes you think baseball and apple pie.

Rookie Of The Year

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 7, 1993

DVD Release Date: January 29, 2002

Plot 411: When his broken arm heals with tendons that are too tight, a boy gets his chance to pitch fast balls in the big leagues.

Review: This is a great underdog story about a clumsy boy who loves the Cubs and his chance love for baseball. Henry, played by Thomas Ian Nicholas, isn't exactly the best athlete on his Little League team, but when his broken arm miraculously heals allowing him to throw baseballs at over 100 miles per hour his dreams come true. This ability helps him sign on with the struggling Chicago Cubs team - first as a PR trick, then as a real player. The movie also stars Gary Busey as a veteran pitcher who grudgingly takes Henry under his wing. It's amazing to see him in this movie and compare it with his appearances on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. It's like watching two completely different people. Bringing some comedy to the movie is Daniel Stern, who also directs this film, as the Cub's pitching coach. The plot is unique and well done, making you root for the little guy. It's inspirational message applies to everyone in their quest to follow and live out their dreams. With the exception of The Sandlot, I think this was one of the best sports movies of the early 1990s.

Watch It: If you're a Little Leaguer with big dreams for some motivation and inspiration.

Skip It: If your idea of a sports movie is more like Varsity Blues.

The Wrestler

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 17, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 21, 2009

Plot 411: An over-the-hill wrestler forced into retirement faces it head on with a headbutt and dropkick, but he is the one that is beaten into submission when he realizes life outside the ring isn't what it's cracked up to be.

Review: Whoa, Mickey Rourke gives us a stellar performance as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a wrestler whose prime has passed him by. Stuck at a job working for a boss that doesn't give him any respect and living a solitary life disconnected from his only daughter, Robinson retreats to the world of wrestling. Here he is a hero to the fans and other, much younger, wrestlers. Here he gains his sense of self-worth and struggles desperately to keep ahold of it. The movie left me with a heavy heart as Robinson's life seemed to fall all around him. Despite trying to leave the ring behind him, have fresh start with his estranged daughter and begin a romantic relationship with a stripper friend (played wonderfully by Marissa Tomei), he seems to get the timing all wrong. His slip ups or theirs makes it difficult to get off on the right foot. It's as if all the fates are against him. Everyone can relate to a time in their life when they've felt the exact same thing. The movie is gritty and raw. It's the real life that we all know exists but which never seems to be captured by Hollywood. This time they've done it up right.

Watch It: For a good portrayal of people just trying to survive in this world, find the meaning of their existence and make their dreams happen.

Skip It: If naked boobies offends you. There's a lot of that going on.

Trailer:

The Miracle Match / The Game Of Their Lives

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: April 22, 2005

DVD Release Date: September 12, 2006

Plot 411: The true story of the 1-0 U.S. win over England in their first match in the 1950 World Cup.

Review: As a former soccer player, I have a soft spot for films that promote the sport. But, because I used to play the game, I'm always very critical about whether or not the actors really know their stuff. This is probably the best movie I've seen that shows the audience the skill and technique needed to play the sport properly, and after some research I've discovered that many of the actors have a soccer background. Because of this, the film gets high marks right off the bat. In addition to realistic soccer action, the plot is moving. I didn't feel as emotionally caught up in it as Swimming Up Stream, but it is inspirational in a nationalistic way. The main characters are played by Gerard Butler and Wes Bentley. Other players include Louis and Costas Mandylor (who both played soccer professionally in Australia) and Zachery Ty Bryan. Surprisingly, Gavin Rossdale makes an appearance as one of the English players. That was really unexpected for me, but I suppose he's British and there probably isn't a single British kid who hasn't grown up with dreams of playing for Manchester United or one of the other pro teams.

Watch It: If soccer is your sport of choice, you have a knackering for history or just want to see Butler's athleticism. Butler really does make some impressive saves at the goal.

Skip It: If you prefer the other football in which case I'd recommend We Are Marshall or Remember The Titans.

Trailer: