Amazon.com

One of the most rousingly enjoyable sports movies ever made, this small-town drama tells the story of the Hickory Huskers, an underdog basketball team from a tiny Indiana high school that makes it all the way to the state championship tournament. It's a familiar story, but sensitive direction and a splendid screenplay helped make this one of the best films of 1986, highlighted by the superb performances of Gene Hackman as the Huskers' coach, and Oscar nominee Dennis Hopper as the alcoholic father of one of the team's key players. As the drama unfolds we come to realize that many of the characters (including Barbara Hershey as a schoolteacher with whom Hackman falls in love) are recovering from disappointing setbacks, and this depth of character is what makes the otherwise conventional basketball story so richly rewarding. Like Rocky, Rudy, and Breaking Away, this is a quintessentially American movie about beating the odds and rising above one's own limitations. Just try to watch it without cheering! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Cinderella comes to Indiana to play basketball!!
Hoosiers is a wonderful movie about a small high school in Indiana who's basketball team beats the odds and goes to the State Finals. It is a wonderful Cinderella story that warms your heart. Gene Hackman plays Norman Dale, the new Hickory High School basketball coach, who teaches the boys on the team the importance of working as a team. He teaches them to respect his authority as coach and teaches the town to respect an outsider.

Dennis Hopper gives an unforgettable performance as the town drunk and the father of one of the players. It is an unforgettable tale that is backed by a wonderful musical score. I recommend this movie to all basketball fans.

A classic and good all around sports movie.
What a great movie this is. It has everything in it. Good Basketball, drama and ultimately triumph. A movie that shows a team or character that beats the odds and comes out a winner is always great to see. Even better is when it happened in real life. This is what this movie is based on, a tiny farming town in 1950's Indiana that rose above the odds and became the state champion by between a high school powerhouse that was at least 6 or 7 times bigger in population than the little high school.

Gene Hackman plays the coach of the team who has a mysterious background. He reminds me a bit of how the famous Bobby Knight is, a hard disciplinarian who instills pride, respect and total commitment to being the best. Barbara Hershey plays his protaganist at the beginning of the movie, but later becomes the love interest. Dennis Hopper, plays the town drunk, but who is also the source of basketball strategy that the team rely's on.
The high school basketball team players are unknown actors, but who cares? They do a great job.

It is also nice to see how the town really is supportive of the team, but that is how Indiana Basketball is in reality. The "innocence" of the 1950's is also shown in the movie, when things were a bit simpler and people had alot of faith in religion. That is nice to see as well, since I know alot of small farming communities do rely on the local church for their needs.

But all in all this is a great sports movie. It would seem hard to believe that such a small school can become a champion in sports, but that is what makes it great! I like to see it when an underdog can overcome and become a champion, like what Chaminade University did in 1983, when it beat the mighty Ralph Sampson and the University of Virginia in a pre-season tournament, or when Villanova beat the mighty Georgetown to become NCAA Basketball Champions in 1986 (I think).

Anyways this is a HIGHLY recommended movie!

Hoosiers a real life story
I lived in Milan,Indiana when this happened and if all that enjoyed the movie want the real story as told by Bobby Plump the hero just get the book "Bobby Plump Last of the small town heros" A wonderful film but a wonderful happening in real life..sort of the small guys winning over the big guys and who doesn't love that..

50 Years Later...and Still a Great Story
How true-to-life is this immensely popular film? In an article written for ESPN Page 2, Jeff Merron notes a number of differences between the "real" story about a small Indiana high school which wins the state championship and the "reel" story which appears in the film directed by David Anspaugh, with Gene Hackman starring in a script written by Alvin Sargent. (The entire article can be accessed by visiting http://espn.go.com/page2/s/closer/020327.html.) The significant differences noted by Merron include these:

"In real life, Milan High School didn't come out of nowhere. The Indians had made the state semifinals the previous season. In reel life: The team that wins the championship is Hickory High. In real life: The team that won the championship is Milan High. There is no town of Hickory in Indiana. In reel life: Hickory wins the title in 1952. In real life: Milan won the title in 1954. In reel life: The previous coach dies, which is a crucial part of the plot -- the team's star player, Jimmy, doesn't play part of the season because he's so upset. In real life: The previous coach, Herman "Snort" Grinstead, who Bobby Plump (the real-life hero) said in an ESPN chat was "the most popular coach in Milan's history," was fired for ordering new uniforms against the superintendent's orders.

"In reel life: Coach Dale alienates just about everyone with his independence, and there is a town referendum on whether the school should keep Dale on as coach. In real life: Marvin Wood did face an uphill struggle, because he replaced Snort and changed both his offense and defense. But by the time the Milan Indians were playing their championship season, he had won the town over. In reel life: The assistant coach, "Shooter," (played by Dennis Hopper in an Oscar-nomination performance), is the town drunk and the father of one of the players. In real life: There was no assistant coach."

These may be among the most significant differences between "real" and "reel" but invariably, certain liberties must be taken with historical material to increase and enhance the dramatic impact of a film based on (but not limited to) that material. In this instance, Anspaugh, screenwriters Pizzo and Sargent, Hackman, and their associates have a story to tell and they tell it very, very well. As always, Hackman is first-rate, as are Barbara Hershey in her role as the obligatory love interest (Myra Fleener) and Hopper as Shooter, a name so appropriate to the character that nothing more need be said. Yes, this is a "feel good" film among several (e.g. Rudy on which Anspaugh and Pizzo also collaborated later) which have been immensely popular. However, the film has crisp direction, an excellent cast, and a story line close enough to what really did happen in 1954. FYI, here are a few brief passages from the official Web site of Milan, Indiana:

"Milan, Indiana, a quiet rural town in the southeastern part of the state, was the scene of one of the greatest basketball stories in history. The rise of the 1954 Milan basketball team actually started the preceding year. In 1953, the team went all the way to the final four only to be beaten in the semi-finals. Then the 1954 season arrived.

"In a high school of 162 total students, 73 were boys.   A young Marvin Wood was returning for his second year as coach, along with Marc Combs and Clarence Kelly.   The core of the 1953 team also returned.   From this came the David vs. Goliath championship story.  

"Although their accomplishments seem to have grown to almost mythical proportions as the story of the greatest underdog in sports' history throughout the years, there was a real team who lived a dream that came to life. Under the leadership of twenty-six year old coach Marvin Wood, the Indians began their rise to the top of the 751 teams entered in that year's tournament, with a record of 19-2. The mighty men of Milan then cruised through the state tournament relatively untested, until the final game against Muncie Central. The Indians were paced in scoring throughout the game by senior Ray Craft. However, Coach Wood's delay tactic game plan would place the ball in the trusty hands of another senior, Bobby Plump.

"Bobby Gene Plump, who at-the-buzzer hit the shot that gave tiny Milan High School the 1954 state basketball championship over the Muncie Central Bearcats. Called 'the most famous shot in Indiana hoops history,' the real-life event became the basis for the fictionalized movie, Hoosiers.  Milan beat Giant Muncie Central 32-30 in the final seconds of the game."

Although Hoosiers may differ somewhat from what really happened in 1954, so what? Both the film's story and the Milan team's season affirm the same values which now seem so rare 50 years after Bobby Gene Plump's winning shot.

Question: Why are no SPECIAL (rather than cheesy) Features provided with the DVD version? That is disgraceful!

Come on Hickory Huskers Team!
This film is a winner. David Anspaugh made the best film of basket in all the story of the american cinema.
A script extremely simple but fullfilled with conviction, well written with unforgettable shots in the battle field.
Gene Haxkman gives one of his most famous performances as the chief of the team. Dennis Hopper shows us why he was nominated in 1986 for this role as supporting actor. His performance is extraordinary. Hershey as always makes the perfect balance for Hackman showing his inner interpretative force.
This film has been choosen as one of the classical film for management approachs ; togeteher with Tunes of glory, Moby Dick , The bridge over Kwai river and Lawrence of Arabia.
So watch this; the film is much more than a famous fact in Indiana in 1952. It's a life lesson; the metaphor of David and Goliat is underlined.
If you think carefully , this film is very close in what its epic actitude concerns with Seabiscuit, that pearl of David Ross , nominated recently as best movie by the Academy.
Watch this movie and let this item be part of your DVD collection. ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Rocky meets Rockne
Attention all cynics...

I'm bored with the Rocky story and all its progeny. I can't stand strained Jerry Goldsmith musical scoring. I'm not even really a football fan, and don't 'get' the whole Notre Dame mystique. And I've always thought Sean Astin to be the dullest of actors. So why, then, does the climax of 'Rudy' consistently set my tear ducts flowing, and produce a lump in my throat the size of a football?

Because it just throws obstacle after obstacle at this kid. Because it is all so improbable, and true. Because we see a series of stoic, hardened men (including characters played by Ned Beatty, Robert Prosky, Jason Miller, Chelcie Ross, and especially Charles S. Dutton -- all great) turned into enthusiastic innocents by this one boy. Because it just takes so damn long to get to the conclusion, that all that emotion has to go somewhere, doesn't it? And because Sean Astin actually does a credible job making you believe that his short, pudgy, untalented, unathletic, dyslexic yet determined Rudy could pull the whole thing off. This is not a great movie, but it does accomplish its goal. It does move you.

Also, check out the pre-"Swingers" Vince Vaughn and (an enormous) Jon Favreau.

The only football movie for your collection
"Rudy" is uplifting in its own sappy, goofy way, and it's impossible not to cheer. It's the true story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, an unremarkable student and football player from 1970s working-class Chicago with the very remarkable dream of playing football for the University of Notre Dame. He overcomes everything you can think of--poverty, doubtful parents, bad grades, friend's death, height deficiency, girlfriends, learning disability--to accomplish his goal, and believe it or not, the movie is every bit as inspiring as it claims to be.

The ending is predictable (with the truth being stretched by more than those few seconds) but doesn't detract from his struggle to land in the House that Rock built. Its charm comes from a great ensemble cast that delivers solid performances throughout. Sean Astin does well as the pint-size player, allowing his character to be more than the typical wholesome underdog. Rudy's frustrations with his family, school, and football all resonate clearly on screen, in effect making his triumph all the more powerful. Ned Beatty as the father powers the familial tensions that drive Rudy to succeed while Jon Favreau's D-Bob, Rudy's loyal bud, lends a gentle touch of humor. His two mentors, played by Charles Dutton and Robert Prosky, add strong doses of determination and prayer, respectively. Director David Anspaugh wisely capitalizes on Notre Dame's beautiful campus by using the scenery to frame the luckless student's persistence and desire. A moving score by Jerry Goldsmith coupled with Notre Dame chants and fight songs balance the emotional visuals.

There are many elements that will appeal to an audience of any age including relationships within the family, overcoming obstacles, self-motivation, etc. As an ND student, I admit my bias, but in fairness to the movie, "Rudy" will capture your heart; be assured, this film survives multiple viewings.

Generally Irresistible But Occasionally Manipulative
My Four Star rating reflects both overall enjoyment while seeing the film (Five Stars) and occasional irritation with director Anspaugh's manipulative strategies insofar as emotions are concerned (Three Stars). The dramatic impact of Rudy Ruettiger's struggles to suit up for, if not play in a Notre Dame football game is diminished by such manipulation. That said, Sean Astin is wholly credible as Rudy. Other noteworthy performances are provided by Ned Beatty (Rudy's father, Daniel), Charles S. Dutton (Fortune), Robert Prosky (Father Cavenaugh), Jon Favreau (D-Bob), Lili Taylor (Sherry), and Scott Benjaminson (Frank). Both the "Real Rudy" and the "Reel Rudy" faced two significant barriers to being admitted to Notre Dame and then playing in a varsity football game: weak grades and diminutive size. Eventually, through tenacious study while enrolled at nearby Holy Cross College, both Rudys are finally admitted to Notre Dame; through rigorous training, both then became fit enough to be selected to play on the practice (i.e. fodder) squad. And finally, both play (the "Real Rudy" for 27 seconds) in the last home game against Georgia Tech in 1975.

Others have their own reasons for liking this film so much. Here are three of mine. First, the casting of Astin in the lead role. His performance is endearing, to be sure, but also convincing. Hence my discomfort with Anspaugh's use of gimmicks when none is necessary. Second, the exteriors shot on the Notre Dame campus which is especially lovely during each of the four seasons. I really did feel as if I were tagging along with Rudy as he attends classes, works for Fortune as a member of the stadium's groundskeeping crew, and then participates in especially brutal team practices. Third and finally, I enjoyed observing what seems to be a totally authentic respect for Rudy among the team's starters both on offense and defense. That respect was earned day in and day out, brutal practice after brutal practice, as Rudy and his battered companions helped to prepare the team for its next game. It is worth noting that Rudy Ruettiger was the only player ever to be carried off the field at Notre Dame stadium. The filmmakers recreated the scene with real fans during a break in the 1992 Boston College game. Some 60,000 fans stood and cheered as actor Sean Astin was carried off the field.

Those who enjoyed this film should also check out The Natural (1984), Hoosiers (1986), Babe (1995), Remember the Titans (2000), and Miracle (2004).
___________________________________________________________________________________

Those who are curious about the "real" and "reel" Rudy Ruettiger are encouraged to visit http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/rudy.php. Here are brief excerpts:

Q: Was the groundskeeper played by Charles S. Dutton a real character?

A: Rudy answered no to this question himself during an interview with the Pigskin Post by saying the following, "He was a composite, but that was reality. And that's what happened in my life...all through my life. I would encounter people like that and they would help me get through the tough times through their wisdom and their encouragement."

Q: Was there actually a priest who helped Rudy get into Holy Cross Junior College?

A: In the same Pigskin Post interview as above, Rudy replied to this question by saying, "There were several who played important roles, but, again, you can't develop them all in one two-hour movie."

Q: Did Rudy really sleep in the maintenance room of the football stadium?

A: Rudy actually slept in a room in the basketball arena. The school had the room there for someone to stay during off-hours for insurance reasons.

Q: Was coach Dan Devine really that cold-hearted against dressing Rudy for the last home game of Rudy's college career?

A: In Devine's autobiography, Simply Devine, he writes that it was his idea to dress Rudy for the final game of his college career and also to play him. Devine says that the screenwriter, Angelo Pizzo, told him that the plot would only work if Devine became the heavy. He agreed in order to help out Rudy, someone whom he calls a friend. "I didn't realize I would be such a heavy," he writes.

Drivel!
Woo hoo! So he wanted to play football for Notre Lame, and he waited and tried really really hard and he cried about it and he walked on to the team and he cried some more. Whoopdee freakin doo! A lot of people want to play college football really bad, but that doesn't mean we make a movie about all of them! Typical job of everyone sucking up to the Domers. Save your money and buy a copy of a movie with a plot that requires more than 6 seconds of rational thought.

A thoroughly enjoyable crowd pleaser
I have seen critics dismissed this movie as highly predictable and manipulative. And they are probably right. But it doesn't mean it can't be a highly enjoyable film. You can't help feel happy for the guy when predictably he achieves his dream.

The film score by Jerry Goldsmith is simply outstanding too. And Sean Astin, as usual, is terrific as Rudy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the most rousingly enjoyable sports movies ever made, this small-town drama tells the story of the Hickory Huskers, an underdog basketball team from a tiny Indiana high school that makes it all the way to the state championship tournament. It's a familiar story, but sensitive direction and a splendid screenplay helped make this one of the best films of 1986, highlighted by the superb performances of Gene Hackman as the Huskers' coach, and Oscar nominee Dennis Hopper as the alcoholic father of one of the team's key players. As the drama unfolds we come to realize that many of the characters (including Barbara Hershey as a schoolteacher with whom Hackman falls in love) are recovering from disappointing setbacks, and this depth of character is what makes the otherwise conventional basketball story so richly rewarding. Like Rocky, Rudy, and Breaking Away, this is a quintessentially American movie about beating the odds and rising above one's own limitations. Just try to watch it without cheering! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (28)

It's a movie you'll remember for the rest of your life!
I loved this movie even tho I went thru a box of kleenex watching it! A very good enactment of the grieving process one
goes thru when losing a loved one so unexpectedly. I wanted to
give Elizabeth Perkins a hug and tell her to "hang in there" that things would get better but Gwyneth Paltrow, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathleen Turner, did it for me! And I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that John Bon Jovi could act! He should do more films, he's good! Not to mention very pleasant to look at! I loved the soundtrack too.

IT WAS HORRIBLE
I just saw this on TV and it was the worst!!!! That stupid tear drop the main character paints on her face at the end should have been there for the whole movie since all she f****ing did was cry. By the end of it it looked like even Whoopi Goldberg wanted to get away from her. This movie would have been a lot better if it had been called "Get Over It" instead and somebody dropped an anvil on the ugly main character's head halfway through. Then Gwyneth Paltrow and Kathleen Turner make a marionette out of her body and make her curl up into a ball and talk about how ugly and pathetic she is. Oh wait, then it would pretty much be the same movie again. Avoid this movie! I want my two hours back!!!!

Amateurish and boring; don't waste your time.
I can't believe these glowing reviews. If I were a woman (I'm a gay guy however, for what it's worth - ha), I'd be offended to be represented by the lame, one-dimensional, self-absorbed, annoying characters that inhabit this snore-fest. With a cast like this (well, with the exception of Elizabeth Perkins who is a totally whiny, neurotic sad-sack in this movie... she's even irritating to look at) I thought it would be a decent film but I was WAY off. If you're in the mood for a great introspective film on love and loss, watch "Trois Couleurs: Bleu." If you want to see a cleverly composed movie about female camaraderie, there's always "Thelma and Louise." Those are two films that merit multiple viewings. But this?? Perhaps if you enjoy horrendously written, trite stabs at drama and even worse attempts at humor (the only time I laughed was when the dialogue got so bad I HAD to), you'd like this movie. Otherwise, don't waste your time, I beseech you. This is not a movie to watch while you are drinking a good wine. It's a movie to down a bottle of Mad Dog over to drown the realization that crap like this passes as art with some people.

Elizabeth Perkins!
"Moonlight and Valentino" is a great film with an amazing
Elizabeth Perkins in the leading role. I think she gave a
very convincing performance in this drama. The rest of the
cast was also very good. I watched the film several times
and still love it. Worth Seeing!!

A classic, moving film
If you haven't seen this movie yet, buy it. I've owned it for over 5 years. I probably watch it 4-5 times a year. It's one of those relaxing, deep, thoughtful and insightful films which reminds you of what's important in life. Especially as a woman. Friendship, family, love, passions, dreams and living in the moment. Some of the reviews I've read on this site about this film are so vague and generic (and one complete idiot that didn't like it? he/she must not have a soul) that I felt motivated to add my two cents. It's just a lovely, touching and totally female-driven film. What more do you want out of entertainment? Buy a good bottle of fine wine and watch it tonight. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

WISE GIRLS, STUPID AGENTS
Nearly every distributor in the business understandably passed on this straight-to-video stinker, not wanting to enable Mira Sorvino in gleefully cramming her flailing career in the Cuisenart.

Fans of Mariah "Meltdown" Carey may be tempted to rent this in hope gaining some insight into the rumored-about, salt shaker-tossing catfight that erupted between her and Sorvino when the diva showed up late on the set for the umpteenth time. Watching this pastafoozeling silliness, you'll marvel at the fact that she showed up at all.

It's clear early on that no one involved in this opus knew what kind movie they were making. What starts out as a marinara-flavored 9 to 5 inevitably spirals into a Girl Power Good Fellas. (Forgive the tacky, Italian clichés but these here filmmakers already beat me to the punch.)

Wisegirls, an undercooked narrative lasagna, tells us the story of three waitresses: the surly, confident workhorse (Carey), the struggling, flibbertigibbet actress (Melora Walters), and the sensitive newcomer (Sorvino) who harbors a Terrible Secret and is looking for a Clean Start. They slave away in an upscale, "Family" eatery for exorbitant tips doled out by lecherous goombahs.

The unintentional laughs begin when a coked-out, thug hanger-on blows his nose off with his own pistol. (Anything to get out of this movie.) Sorvino stops the movie dead, announcing, "Back off! I went to medical school!" Just when you think it can't get any loopier, Sorvino saves the day by wrapping the guy's head in cellophane! You won't want to miss the sight of Carey squirming while having to prop open the goon's bloody nostrils with her fingers.

Naturally, the ladies bond after enjoying some working-girls-out-on-the-town antics. During one particular girlie rap session, Carey sips champagne with her pinky finger up and goads Sorvino's Terrible Secret out of her. I wouldn't dream of spoiling it for you but I do have to let one thing slip: you'll never look at carnival rides the same way again.

Try to stay awake to see hapless Sorvino finally Run Afoul Of The Mob. Our heroine is clocked after mouthing off to her drunken boss and one of her Guido admirers comes rushing to her defense, beating the jerk into a bloody manicotti. Now that she's Seen Too Much, Sorvino is forced to use her well-learned surgical skills on the disposing of the evidence. Held at gunpoint, she contemplates taking a bullet or gettin' busy with the hacksaw while she acts and acts and acts!

Stay tuned for another ridiculous surprise involving Walters' character (It makes her heretofore birdbrained performance somewhat forgivable) but I can't resist spoiling the biggest surprise of all: MARIAH CAREY IS THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS MOVIE. I'm still not sure why this is. Perhaps it's because she doesn't try as hard and simply coasts through the wreckage on her starpower while Sorvino and Walters are embarrassingly methody, toiling away as if they're making serious art.

So open a bottle of cheap Chianti, bask in the sleazy glow of this made-by-coke-money bonfire, and be prepared to hate yourself in the morning. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Wisegirls- WISE Choice- !!
I had to get this DVD- becuase I am a Huge Mariah Carey Fan. Although I thought "Glitter" was no where near as horrible as critics said it was, I figured I would see her in "Wisegirls". What an awesome Movie. It really revolves around Mira Sorvino- who was awesome- she is such a natural actress- so sincere. Great acting all around. I also thought Mariah did an amazing job and added ALOT to this movie. The girl (mariah) CAN ACT! If you like Mob type movies, a bit of suspense, action, witty dialog- then this movie is for you! If you also love Mariah, you will love and appreciate her in this film. I strongly do recommend it to all- even the Mariah Bashers that think she cant act. Good comeback for her. The DVD lacks features- but what can ya do?

Good First Half (about Three Girls' Friendship) and Then ...
... very bad, impossible ending with one bloody scene. I don't say Miriah Carey is in the same league with some Hollywood leading ladies, but at least her acting is not bad as you may think, far better than her in "Glitter." The problem lies elsewhere; the film's story.

Actually, "Wisegirls" starts pretty well, about the medical student Meg (Mira Sorvino) coming back to her home in Staten Island, New York. She starts to work as food server at a local restaurant where she meets two other workers, Raychel (Carey) and Kate (Melora Walters). Meg soon finds out that this Italian restaurant is 'connected,' and some customers look like coming from "The Sopranos," but anyway she does the hard works better than the owner of the shop at first estimated, and Raychel and Kate are always there to be helpful.

Then the story of the friendship between three girls start. The scenes of the restaurant in which they work are the best part of the film, with its very convincing production design. In spite of the unique location of the Staten Island, the film spends most of its time in indoor scenes, and the decision is justified by the impressive work from the designer.

But the film suffers from cliched moments. You see, Meg has something to confess, and when Mira Sorvino does it, it's an amateur hour with the uninspired lines for her to say. Not that Mira Sorvino is bad, remember it. But the simple fact is, no one can save the awfully melodramatic, uninteresting monologue from utter boredom (but I still believe Mira Sorvino truly needs revamping of her career).

More damaging thing is, however, the plot twist at the second half of the story. The feel-good story about these girls' friendship is turned into something totally different, utterly unnecessary and forced beyond belief, which includes a murder and some cheap and disgusting gore from B-gangstar film. And even that part is not free from cliche.

As I said, Ms. Carey is not bad. Well, if you like her, you won't give the film with her name a bad review anyway, but if her acting had been as good as this in her first feature film, she might have escaped the harsh critical attacks on her she suffered in "Glitter."

But as you can easily imagine, the most impresive actor is Melora Walters, who changes her tone as the film goes on. She might be wasting her talent, as in other films of her in the past, but the fact remains that she could be the reason for you to see the film, no matter how bad it could be. And here, unfortunately, she is following the same pattern again.

Love Surprises
This is one of those simple movies with subtle depth. I missed WiseGirls when it came out and just caught it on HBO. Mira Sorvino was wonderful, as always, and, I'm embarrassed to say, I didn't recognize Mariah Carey so I was able to enjoy her solid performance without getting distracted by the baggage of her "persona." It's clean, moving, intelligent and thought-provoking. There's a bit of "Hollywood" in it, but so what? When I see these great movies that I somehow missed in the theater, I always go to Roger Ebert to see what he said about them and was surprised when I was unable to find a review. ?? I can't wait to rent it to catch the first ten minutes that I missed and see it over again with my husband.

Fun formula movie.
For those viewers that are enamored of Mariah Carey, she can do no wrong. Those viewers that do not particularly care for her, she can do nothing right. The reality is all of the actors were very sufficient for the movie. The bad buys are bad and the good guys are bad. The costumes and dialog fit very well. The story was formula and the standard twists are standard. The only thing that is below par if the "lets wrap this up" ending.

Basic story is of three waitresses that form friendships in an adversarial environment. Each brings their strengths and weakness which balance out. I will not do into detail as the unfolding story is the only attribute the movie has. ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Rocky meets Rockne
Attention all cynics...

I'm bored with the Rocky story and all its progeny. I can't stand strained Jerry Goldsmith musical scoring. I'm not even really a football fan, and don't 'get' the whole Notre Dame mystique. And I've always thought Sean Astin to be the dullest of actors. So why, then, does the climax of 'Rudy' consistently set my tear ducts flowing, and produce a lump in my throat the size of a football?

Because it just throws obstacle after obstacle at this kid. Because it is all so improbable, and true. Because we see a series of stoic, hardened men (including characters played by Ned Beatty, Robert Prosky, Jason Miller, Chelcie Ross, and especially Charles S. Dutton -- all great) turned into enthusiastic innocents by this one boy. Because it just takes so damn long to get to the conclusion, that all that emotion has to go somewhere, doesn't it? And because Sean Astin actually does a credible job making you believe that his short, pudgy, untalented, unathletic, dyslexic yet determined Rudy could pull the whole thing off. This is not a great movie, but it does accomplish its goal. It does move you.

Also, check out the pre-"Swingers" Vince Vaughn and (an enormous) Jon Favreau.

The only football movie for your collection
"Rudy" is uplifting in its own sappy, goofy way, and it's impossible not to cheer. It's the true story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, an unremarkable student and football player from 1970s working-class Chicago with the very remarkable dream of playing football for the University of Notre Dame. He overcomes everything you can think of--poverty, doubtful parents, bad grades, friend's death, height deficiency, girlfriends, learning disability--to accomplish his goal, and believe it or not, the movie is every bit as inspiring as it claims to be.

The ending is predictable (with the truth being stretched by more than those few seconds) but doesn't detract from his struggle to land in the House that Rock built. Its charm comes from a great ensemble cast that delivers solid performances throughout. Sean Astin does well as the pint-size player, allowing his character to be more than the typical wholesome underdog. Rudy's frustrations with his family, school, and football all resonate clearly on screen, in effect making his triumph all the more powerful. Ned Beatty as the father powers the familial tensions that drive Rudy to succeed while Jon Favreau's D-Bob, Rudy's loyal bud, lends a gentle touch of humor. His two mentors, played by Charles Dutton and Robert Prosky, add strong doses of determination and prayer, respectively. Director David Anspaugh wisely capitalizes on Notre Dame's beautiful campus by using the scenery to frame the luckless student's persistence and desire. A moving score by Jerry Goldsmith coupled with Notre Dame chants and fight songs balance the emotional visuals.

There are many elements that will appeal to an audience of any age including relationships within the family, overcoming obstacles, self-motivation, etc. As an ND student, I admit my bias, but in fairness to the movie, "Rudy" will capture your heart; be assured, this film survives multiple viewings.

Generally Irresistible But Occasionally Manipulative
My Four Star rating reflects both overall enjoyment while seeing the film (Five Stars) and occasional irritation with director Anspaugh's manipulative strategies insofar as emotions are concerned (Three Stars). The dramatic impact of Rudy Ruettiger's struggles to suit up for, if not play in a Notre Dame football game is diminished by such manipulation. That said, Sean Astin is wholly credible as Rudy. Other noteworthy performances are provided by Ned Beatty (Rudy's father, Daniel), Charles S. Dutton (Fortune), Robert Prosky (Father Cavenaugh), Jon Favreau (D-Bob), Lili Taylor (Sherry), and Scott Benjaminson (Frank). Both the "Real Rudy" and the "Reel Rudy" faced two significant barriers to being admitted to Notre Dame and then playing in a varsity football game: weak grades and diminutive size. Eventually, through tenacious study while enrolled at nearby Holy Cross College, both Rudys are finally admitted to Notre Dame; through rigorous training, both then became fit enough to be selected to play on the practice (i.e. fodder) squad. And finally, both play (the "Real Rudy" for 27 seconds) in the last home game against Georgia Tech in 1975.

Others have their own reasons for liking this film so much. Here are three of mine. First, the casting of Astin in the lead role. His performance is endearing, to be sure, but also convincing. Hence my discomfort with Anspaugh's use of gimmicks when none is necessary. Second, the exteriors shot on the Notre Dame campus which is especially lovely during each of the four seasons. I really did feel as if I were tagging along with Rudy as he attends classes, works for Fortune as a member of the stadium's groundskeeping crew, and then participates in especially brutal team practices. Third and finally, I enjoyed observing what seems to be a totally authentic respect for Rudy among the team's starters both on offense and defense. That respect was earned day in and day out, brutal practice after brutal practice, as Rudy and his battered companions helped to prepare the team for its next game. It is worth noting that Rudy Ruettiger was the only player ever to be carried off the field at Notre Dame stadium. The filmmakers recreated the scene with real fans during a break in the 1992 Boston College game. Some 60,000 fans stood and cheered as actor Sean Astin was carried off the field.

Those who enjoyed this film should also check out The Natural (1984), Hoosiers (1986), Babe (1995), Remember the Titans (2000), and Miracle (2004).
___________________________________________________________________________________

Those who are curious about the "real" and "reel" Rudy Ruettiger are encouraged to visit http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/rudy.php. Here are brief excerpts:

Q: Was the groundskeeper played by Charles S. Dutton a real character?

A: Rudy answered no to this question himself during an interview with the Pigskin Post by saying the following, "He was a composite, but that was reality. And that's what happened in my life...all through my life. I would encounter people like that and they would help me get through the tough times through their wisdom and their encouragement."

Q: Was there actually a priest who helped Rudy get into Holy Cross Junior College?

A: In the same Pigskin Post interview as above, Rudy replied to this question by saying, "There were several who played important roles, but, again, you can't develop them all in one two-hour movie."

Q: Did Rudy really sleep in the maintenance room of the football stadium?

A: Rudy actually slept in a room in the basketball arena. The school had the room there for someone to stay during off-hours for insurance reasons.

Q: Was coach Dan Devine really that cold-hearted against dressing Rudy for the last home game of Rudy's college career?

A: In Devine's autobiography, Simply Devine, he writes that it was his idea to dress Rudy for the final game of his college career and also to play him. Devine says that the screenwriter, Angelo Pizzo, told him that the plot would only work if Devine became the heavy. He agreed in order to help out Rudy, someone whom he calls a friend. "I didn't realize I would be such a heavy," he writes.

Drivel!
Woo hoo! So he wanted to play football for Notre Lame, and he waited and tried really really hard and he cried about it and he walked on to the team and he cried some more. Whoopdee freakin doo! A lot of people want to play college football really bad, but that doesn't mean we make a movie about all of them! Typical job of everyone sucking up to the Domers. Save your money and buy a copy of a movie with a plot that requires more than 6 seconds of rational thought.

A thoroughly enjoyable crowd pleaser
I have seen critics dismissed this movie as highly predictable and manipulative. And they are probably right. But it doesn't mean it can't be a highly enjoyable film. You can't help feel happy for the guy when predictably he achieves his dream.

The film score by Jerry Goldsmith is simply outstanding too. And Sean Astin, as usual, is terrific as Rudy. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Wow ... Tough Crowd!
Thanks to the anonymity of this forum, I can freely admit that I like this movie (in fact, I have a tape of it somewhere). It's the basic story of a guy (McCarthy) who has everything going for him, but longs to take a walk on the wild side. Enter Molly Ringwald's character, a white-trash vixen that completely captivates him and turns his life upside down. Fine cinematography with an absolutely heart-wrenching ending. This flick and Less Than Zero are my two favorite Andrew McCarthy movies. Go easy on me.

a true love movie
Andrew & Molly have always been one of my fovorite teen actors
and in this movie they again make good chemistry together.This movie is a love story with a sad but good ending that makes you think about
how complicated life can be falling in love with someone special.

Can I Please Give It NO STARS?!
Yes, it's true... "Fresh Horses" is the all-time worst movie ever made. By that, I mean of all the movies that had good production values this is the worst. It obviously had some good actors (they're in there somewhere, though hard to see) and a competent crew. A big studio was behind it (but I'm sure the guy who okayed this film is now working in retail).

"Fresh Horses" is just a mess of a movie. It's been about ten years since I walked out of the theater after an hour of torture, but I vividly remember the following: There is no story, nothing visually interesting, no complete sentences uttered by any of the actors, nobody ever smiles in it, Andrew McCarthy and Molly Ringwald have absolutely no chemistry, I don't think they were speaking English, and I'm pretty sure that McCarthy was replaced halfway through the production by the caterer's assistant.

What's really sad is that you can't even watch it to make fun of it. So it's not a good bad movie. It's just plain boring. Horrifyingly boring. Murderously boring.

But you have to give the film some credit... It pretty much killed the careers of Ringwald and McCarthy. So, for that alone, the one star is deserved!

I was part of the production on this film
Filmed in Cincinnati during My senior year in High School I had acted and Modeled some. I landed a spot as a Stand-In for Doug Hutchinson and Ben Stiller. It has to be one of the Worst Films ever. Molly couldn't even keep her southern twang consistent in the shots. I must say though it was a pleasure to work with Ben Stiller and Doug Hutchinson (Percy from Green Mile) I still have a Cast and Crew Jacket that Ben signed and I was even able to have Molly sign it at the final Cast party during one of her kindler moods. Heck I even have pictures
Great scenerary if you are from the area.

On a personal note Molly has her good moments although rare.
Andrew McCarthy was just.... well a jerk.
Ben was Great to me and so was most of the crew especially the Sound Master Hank Garfield and Sue Knutsen in Casting
From this I was able to work as a stand-in on Rainman and had several screen tests for other movies and TV shows.

An unabashedly favorable review!
I have been a fan of this movie for many years since its release. When I decided to purchase, I was surprised to see such negative reviews. Granted its not necessarily Oscar quality material. But, the cinematic backdrop is interesting and goes a long way to lend great atmosphere to the story. I think McCarthy and Ringwald do a good job with the acting. It's not hard to understand why Larkin (McCarthy) falls for Jewel (Ringwald ) right off the bat, Ringwald imbues her character with a palpable steamy sensuality in their first meeting. Mortensen (Green) is convincing as the low life "husband" of Jewel. It's also interesting to see an early role for Ben Stiller, especially if you are a fan. I can't agree that ... is wasted on this movie. In fact, I wish it were available in DVD format. The story ending has a heart-rending quality that has stayed with me through the years since I first viewed this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Cinderella comes to Indiana to play basketball!!
Hoosiers is a wonderful movie about a small high school in Indiana who's basketball team beats the odds and goes to the State Finals. It is a wonderful Cinderella story that warms your heart. Gene Hackman plays Norman Dale, the new Hickory High School basketball coach, who teaches the boys on the team the importance of working as a team. He teaches them to respect his authority as coach and teaches the town to respect an outsider.

Dennis Hopper gives an unforgettable performance as the town drunk and the father of one of the players. It is an unforgettable tale that is backed by a wonderful musical score. I recommend this movie to all basketball fans.

A classic and good all around sports movie.
What a great movie this is. It has everything in it. Good Basketball, drama and ultimately triumph. A movie that shows a team or character that beats the odds and comes out a winner is always great to see. Even better is when it happened in real life. This is what this movie is based on, a tiny farming town in 1950's Indiana that rose above the odds and became the state champion by between a high school powerhouse that was at least 6 or 7 times bigger in population than the little high school.

Gene Hackman plays the coach of the team who has a mysterious background. He reminds me a bit of how the famous Bobby Knight is, a hard disciplinarian who instills pride, respect and total commitment to being the best. Barbara Hershey plays his protaganist at the beginning of the movie, but later becomes the love interest. Dennis Hopper, plays the town drunk, but who is also the source of basketball strategy that the team rely's on.
The high school basketball team players are unknown actors, but who cares? They do a great job.

It is also nice to see how the town really is supportive of the team, but that is how Indiana Basketball is in reality. The "innocence" of the 1950's is also shown in the movie, when things were a bit simpler and people had alot of faith in religion. That is nice to see as well, since I know alot of small farming communities do rely on the local church for their needs.

But all in all this is a great sports movie. It would seem hard to believe that such a small school can become a champion in sports, but that is what makes it great! I like to see it when an underdog can overcome and become a champion, like what Chaminade University did in 1983, when it beat the mighty Ralph Sampson and the University of Virginia in a pre-season tournament, or when Villanova beat the mighty Georgetown to become NCAA Basketball Champions in 1986 (I think).

Anyways this is a HIGHLY recommended movie!

Hoosiers a real life story
I lived in Milan,Indiana when this happened and if all that enjoyed the movie want the real story as told by Bobby Plump the hero just get the book "Bobby Plump Last of the small town heros" A wonderful film but a wonderful happening in real life..sort of the small guys winning over the big guys and who doesn't love that..

50 Years Later...and Still a Great Story
How true-to-life is this immensely popular film? In an article written for ESPN Page 2, Jeff Merron notes a number of differences between the "real" story about a small Indiana high school which wins the state championship and the "reel" story which appears in the film directed by David Anspaugh, with Gene Hackman starring in a script written by Alvin Sargent. (The entire article can be accessed by visiting http://espn.go.com/page2/s/closer/020327.html.) The significant differences noted by Merron include these:

"In real life, Milan High School didn't come out of nowhere. The Indians had made the state semifinals the previous season. In reel life: The team that wins the championship is Hickory High. In real life: The team that won the championship is Milan High. There is no town of Hickory in Indiana. In reel life: Hickory wins the title in 1952. In real life: Milan won the title in 1954. In reel life: The previous coach dies, which is a crucial part of the plot -- the team's star player, Jimmy, doesn't play part of the season because he's so upset. In real life: The previous coach, Herman "Snort" Grinstead, who Bobby Plump (the real-life hero) said in an ESPN chat was "the most popular coach in Milan's history," was fired for ordering new uniforms against the superintendent's orders.

"In reel life: Coach Dale alienates just about everyone with his independence, and there is a town referendum on whether the school should keep Dale on as coach. In real life: Marvin Wood did face an uphill struggle, because he replaced Snort and changed both his offense and defense. But by the time the Milan Indians were playing their championship season, he had won the town over. In reel life: The assistant coach, "Shooter," (played by Dennis Hopper in an Oscar-nomination performance), is the town drunk and the father of one of the players. In real life: There was no assistant coach."

These may be among the most significant differences between "real" and "reel" but invariably, certain liberties must be taken with historical material to increase and enhance the dramatic impact of a film based on (but not limited to) that material. In this instance, Anspaugh, screenwriters Pizzo and Sargent, Hackman, and their associates have a story to tell and they tell it very, very well. As always, Hackman is first-rate, as are Barbara Hershey in her role as the obligatory love interest (Myra Fleener) and Hopper as Shooter, a name so appropriate to the character that nothing more need be said. Yes, this is a "feel good" film among several (e.g. Rudy on which Anspaugh and Pizzo also collaborated later) which have been immensely popular. However, the film has crisp direction, an excellent cast, and a story line close enough to what really did happen in 1954. FYI, here are a few brief passages from the official Web site of Milan, Indiana:

"Milan, Indiana, a quiet rural town in the southeastern part of the state, was the scene of one of the greatest basketball stories in history. The rise of the 1954 Milan basketball team actually started the preceding year. In 1953, the team went all the way to the final four only to be beaten in the semi-finals. Then the 1954 season arrived.

"In a high school of 162 total students, 73 were boys.   A young Marvin Wood was returning for his second year as coach, along with Marc Combs and Clarence Kelly.   The core of the 1953 team also returned.   From this came the David vs. Goliath championship story.  

"Although their accomplishments seem to have grown to almost mythical proportions as the story of the greatest underdog in sports' history throughout the years, there was a real team who lived a dream that came to life. Under the leadership of twenty-six year old coach Marvin Wood, the Indians began their rise to the top of the 751 teams entered in that year's tournament, with a record of 19-2. The mighty men of Milan then cruised through the state tournament relatively untested, until the final game against Muncie Central. The Indians were paced in scoring throughout the game by senior Ray Craft. However, Coach Wood's delay tactic game plan would place the ball in the trusty hands of another senior, Bobby Plump.

"Bobby Gene Plump, who at-the-buzzer hit the shot that gave tiny Milan High School the 1954 state basketball championship over the Muncie Central Bearcats. Called 'the most famous shot in Indiana hoops history,' the real-life event became the basis for the fictionalized movie, Hoosiers.  Milan beat Giant Muncie Central 32-30 in the final seconds of the game."

Although Hoosiers may differ somewhat from what really happened in 1954, so what? Both the film's story and the Milan team's season affirm the same values which now seem so rare 50 years after Bobby Gene Plump's winning shot.

Question: Why are no SPECIAL (rather than cheesy) Features provided with the DVD version? That is disgraceful!

Come on Hickory Huskers Team!
This film is a winner. David Anspaugh made the best film of basket in all the story of the american cinema.
A script extremely simple but fullfilled with conviction, well written with unforgettable shots in the battle field.
Gene Haxkman gives one of his most famous performances as the chief of the team. Dennis Hopper shows us why he was nominated in 1986 for this role as supporting actor. His performance is extraordinary. Hershey as always makes the perfect balance for Hackman showing his inner interpretative force.
This film has been choosen as one of the classical film for management approachs ; togeteher with Tunes of glory, Moby Dick , The bridge over Kwai river and Lawrence of Arabia.
So watch this; the film is much more than a famous fact in Indiana in 1952. It's a life lesson; the metaphor of David and Goliat is underlined.
If you think carefully , this film is very close in what its epic actitude concerns with Seabiscuit, that pearl of David Ross , nominated recently as best movie by the Academy.
Watch this movie and let this item be part of your DVD collection. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

WHY?
This was the best show in the 80's. All the characters were great, the story lines were cutting edge for its time. Why is this series not on DVD?

Yes, please bring this to DVD!
This tremendous and groundbreaking show needs to get the deluxe DVD treatment, and if that's done, they can put whatever pricetag they want on it! I want season-by-season sets; fully remastered video and audio; all of the original music; uncut episodes; outtakes; cast, crew and creator commentaries (tragically, there's no way now to include the late, great Bruce Paltrow in this); and a sparkling retrospective documentary that puts St. Elsewhere in its proper place as one of the most important and entertaining TV shows in history. This needs to happen, STAT.

This Should be on DVD in Complete Season Boxsets!
I was a teenager when St. Elsewhere aired on NBC and it was my favorite hospital drama show before ER (Also on NBC) came on and though I prefer ER I still think St. Elsewhere is a great show and I think that like ER that they should put St. Elsewhere out on DVD in complete season boxsets! BTW: St. Elsewhere has a great cast and some of the actors include Denzel Washington before he became a major movie star, and Christina Pickles the actress who plays Ross and Monica's mother on Friends. ... Read more