My All American (2015)

As an Australian who knows absolutely nothing about American football (rugby union, rugby league and Australian football are our three types of football) this was a wonderful tearjerker of a movie. Beautifully paced and very well acted. I've never seen Eckhardt give such a well-rounded performance. This could have been just another soppy, cliched sports movie but instead it's an inspiring movie with a lot of heart. If you're not American, don't be put off. I strongly recommend it.

This is a film about nothing. The idea of a screenplay is to have conflict to have some kind of goal that has to be achieved and obstacles standing in that way. But here this fact is just ignored until 30 minutes before the end of the movie! For 60 minutes it is just goodie two shoes. Our main character is loved by anybody and can do everything and is always succeeding. That is just very poor screenwriting.But wait something has to be said about the cast too because the story maybe the biggest problem but the cast is no help either. Aaron Eckhardt once a great talent does fine most of the time even though that isn't saying much because there is not a lot to do. When it comes to the heroic speeches he really struggles and the two times when we see him as an older version of his role his acting is cringe worthy.And then there is Finn Wittrock. In case you didn't realize he is pretty you get it told a hundred times in this film. I know him from nothing else so I just hope it is the role but what he does I can not call it acting. Yes, the character is flat as a piece of paper but he delivers even simple lines so wooden. Do yourself a favor and don't watch this movie. I had the pleasure of watching "Rudy" a few days earlier. Everything this movie does "Rudy" makes right.

This story is one that people will enjoy regardless of topic, dialogue, casting ,etc. My All American recounts facts about someone with inner courage to do their best in good and bad times. Freddie was a true spirit of inspiration. No one can dispute that. After watching I too felt touched by his accomplishments and his ability and fortitude to remain resolute until his death. There is not much on his family but I feel they too were proud of him and deeply felt his loss. He and his finance made plans to marry. He entered into a coma preventing their marriage. What a tragedy. Freddie is an example of how to live daily and follow your dreams. I wish I could have met him.

This film, in my eyes, was the perfect mix of beautiful story telling and action which allows the story to progress whilst keeping the film enjoyable for the whole 2hrs. I would say though that if you don't like sport the first half of the film may be difficult viewing but I do not play American football and was still able to appreciate action. As for the story, it did not disappoint and for me the conclusion was very satisfying. All in all, I was laughing at start and by the end I was in tears, the perfect rolercoaster for an amazing film experienceAlso, very inspirational true story, I can't believe what the guy went through.