Thursday Movie Picks: The Underdog

Yesterday, when I literally spent all day at work, I was wondering what movies should I recommend for this week’s theme and I came up with a very specific angle – sports movies! I love sports movies! I love almost all of them to some degree and most of them do have that element of being an underdog as well. So simple as that, here are four movies I’d recommend to anyone who’s even just a little curious about sports movies.

1. MYSTERY, ALASKA, 1999

This is a movie that might not be the best out there but it has a lot of heart and likability! Set in Alaska, the movie is about a little town that loves hockey, and they play hockey a lot because they simply enjoy it. But when a televised game between them and New York Rangers is organised, pressure to succeed causes some rifts between the men. Funny and sweet, Mystery, Alaska is one of those movies that is perfect for a cosy winter evening entertainment.

2. GLORY ROAD, 2006

Racism is a very heavy topic and it has been such for years and will continue to be a topic of conversation in Hollywood. But there are movies, such as Glory Road, that aim to showcase the acceptance and in this instance, the sportsmanship among athletes. Based on true events, Glory Road shares a story about the first all-black starting line up basketball team, lead by Don Haskins (Josh Lucas), who broke all odds in the late 60’s. Inspirational and all around enjoyable movie, Glory Road definitely has one of those moments where you’re at the edge of your seat, rooting heavily for the underdogs.

3. COACH CARTER, 2005

I don’t even watch basketball yet I’m listing two basketball movies here, who knew. But after mentioning Glory Road I can’t really skip Coach Carter because it’s just as good if not better. But rather than focusing on basketball skills, Coach Carter emphasises the importance of education. Also based on true events, coach Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) became a well-known name after benching his undefeated team because their grades weren’t good enough – they are viewed as underdogs here because nobody really expected any academic success from them. By the way, Coach Carter features Channing Tatum’s first movie role!

4. REMEMBER THE TITANS, 2000

Here is my last, technically number 1 recommendation in regards to underdogs in sports movies, Remember the Titans. Another true story brought on screen through many famous names including Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Ryan Hurst, Ethan Suplee, Donald Faison and fresh-faced Ryan Gosling. Taking place in the early 70’s, racial issues are again the main focus of the story, and the film is about a desegregated football team among the “all white” teams other high schools had at that time. This movie has some of my all time favourite movie moments, from the left-side-strong-side scene to the Titan’s warm up, plus that famous “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” song moment. And well, the ending is just… well, it actually just speaks for itself. It’s just really really good!

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