Another movie that could be considered over the top, but those who believe that are sadly mistaken. This is an artwork by Oliver Stone. Of course, there are typical characters. The film features a lost trainer, an insecure second-generation rich kid, and an old dog who wants to prove he’s got enough guts to fend off a young, hungry, and arrogant tail-wagging dog.
But this film peels back the layers of football and goes much deeper into issues that we learned years later were all too real. Issues like pro football not being honest with players about the damage the game can do to their heads and racial stereotypes harming the careers of black players. Dodgy deals are being negotiated to try to move the team to a better stadium and players who don’t know what to do with their lives outside of football.
Does anyone’s eye pop out of the socket in the middle of the field at Texas Stadium? Yes, but try to ignore it. This film puts all of football on the table for viewers to explore. From motivational speeches before the game, to stretchers and prayers.