My All
American is written to be inspirational, showing that true grit, family,
and religious faith is a winning combination. Based on a true story, Freddie Steinmark (Wittrock) plays
football at Wheatridge High School in Denver, and despite his small size
becomes a local hero on the field.
He is from a modest background, but his father appears to be an A-plus
parent, seeing that Freddie makes the most of his physical and intellectual
abilities. He puts him through
rigorous daily routines, which the boy not only goes along with, he does so
with a smile and a cheer, as if he is cheering himself on—except that he is
always humble.
Freddie makes such an impression on his
tobacco-chewing coach his plays are shown to Darrell Royal (Eckhart), the famed
coach of the University of Texas champion football team (1957-1976), who is
duly impressed, and immediately gives the stunned Freddie a football
scholarship. This is a film where
traditional American values, which include religious faith, are borne out to be
the recipe for success.
We see Freddie achieving remarkable feats on
the ball field and doing well in his academic subjects, all while cultivating
an enduring romantic relationship with blonde beauty Linda (Bolger) at
Wheatridge High, a stalwart supporter always by his side. She manages to get into the University
of Texas majoring in Spanish so they can be together in Austin.
At UT, Freddie not only excels on the football
team, he cultivates friendships and alliances with his teammates and wins the
respect of the coaches. He seems
to have an innate ability to connect with people, minimizing competition as he
promotes collaboration. The film
is effective in showing him in action with clips of the UT football games that
document his prowess on the field.
My All
American is a film for those who like to be inspired by traditional
American values and success stories.
I find it to be a bit “sugar-coated” with all-positive traits in characters
that are likely to be flawed as well as admirable. Angelo Pizzo, writer and director, has brought us a film
that will be inspiring to many, but for those who are more reality based, it
may be a little too sweet and perfect.
Football fans will be inspired by My
All American.
Grade: C By
Donna R. Copeland
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