Sports stories, up on the big screen—especially true ones—have a knack of spurring inspiration, encircling the viewer with its “can’t touch this” rawness of reality-centric storylines. From Miracle to Remember the Titans and of course, the heartbreaking fierceness of Eight Men Out is something you will never forget. The same can be said now about the biopic of quarterback Kurt Warner, who would not only be a Super Bowl Champion as a leader of his team but also the game’s Most Valuable Player. In fact, Warner would be voted the MVP of the entire league.
Pretty incredible for a man who just a few months prior was stocking shelves at the local grocery store.
American Underdog is based on All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season, Warner’s unforgettable memoir (which he co-wrote with Michael Silver. It was adapted brilliantly by screenwriter David Aaron Cohen. The footballer’s passion for the game is palpable and permeates every ounce of every single frame.
One believes you’re witnessing the tenor and true feel of the picture by directors Andrew and Jon Erwin. Then, when he’s picked up by the St. Louis Rams, the entire endeavor upgrades—if you will. Coach Dick Vermeil (Dennis Quaid) sees something in the old(er) QB, perhaps even a wee bit of himself. “Destiny, it belongs to the underdogs,” Vermeil informs his new quarterback and that seemingly simple statement will reverberate the remainder of the film.
Soon after, Levi delivers a brief monologue concerning why he belongs in the NFL, and it stunningly encapsulates the emotive tether between Levi, his cinematic alter ego, and those watching Warner’s story that proves everyone wrong. Anything can happen to any one of us and primarily, American Underdog delivers on its promise to translate one of athletics’ great sidelines to Super Bowl victory tales of our time.
Yes, as you’ve probably heard, this is a Christian-centric tale. After all, his memoir’s moniker contained the word “Faith.” The thing is this writer never felt preached to or at and usually, I am overly sensitive to those elements. American Underdog never hits you over the head with its beliefs, moral compass, or Christian philosophies. If one supports human beings lifting other humans up through their words, deeds, or actions, you will find something to connect with within American Underdog.
Levi is the perfect choice to portray Warner. The actor has had the best luck-centric meets talent announcements and opportunity-taking moments in recent memory. After winning us over with the NBC spy thrilling comedy Chuck, he triumphantly tackled the singing prince world of Disney opposite Mandy Moore’s Rapunzel in Tangled. Then, he wowed the superhero landscape with his remarkable encapsulation of Shazam!—which has its sequel bowing June 2, 2023.
Being tapped to portray a sports hero like Warner had to be an easy decision for Levi. It’s a solid script, grounded in emotional moments that ring true and never feel forced. The sports moments are beautifully captured with a choreography that had to be simultaneously effective and emotional. In fact, much has been made about it being a Christian motion picture without feeling like one, the argument could be made that American Underdog doesn’t “feel” like a sports movie. We’re too wrapped up in everyone’s story—not to mention the immediacy of having to pay the bills, put groceries in the fridge and the cupboard, all while chasing one’s elusive dreams.
The Erwin brothers have magically kicked to the curb several of my cinema-centric pet peeves. First, I have a thing about biopics in the sense that you only have one shot at capturing someone’s life. I have famously and repeatedly said they rarely result in remakes since when was the last time you remember someone discussing how they’re remaking so-and-so’s life story? I’ll wait… There’s also the sports movie pet peeve that falls remarkably close to the biopic pet peeve. Studios aren’t famously lining up to remake true sports tales.
Thankfully, the Erwin brothers have stunningly orchestrated a true sports story that is one that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.
There is much to salute behind the camera. Kristopher Kimlin’s cinematography depicts the many facets that is Warner’s story from college through bagging groceries to winning the pinnacle game and honor that is his sport’s signature evet. Sports films are notoriously difficult to edit, but thanks to what Sean Albertson and Andrew Erwin achieved in the editing room, American Underdog never feels like American Under-edited! Then, there’s the marvel that is John Debney’s score. It perfectly supports the film in every conceivable musical facet.
Levi is the most fascinating of actors. He’s like the Energizer Bunny in that he never quits, not that he should! It’s just that many could have pulled up a recliner when Chuck went off the air. Not Zachary Levi—he still had mountains to climb, from appearing in a Disney musical to a DC Comics superhero blockbuster. He is joined in the dedicated performance department by True Blood veteran, Paquin.
The Oscar winner (for The Piano) is an underrated thespian. She took what could have been a thankless part—that of the sports superstar’s other half—and carved out her own stamp on the character and role. American Underdog makes it pretty clear that helping Kurt stay with football, even if it meant major sacrifices for the family, was simply part of what Brenda saw as one spoke in her wifely wheel.
Grade: A