Cinema Scholars reviews the new inspirational sports drama American Underdog, starring Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, and Dennis Quaid. Lionsgate will release American Underdog in theaters nationwide on December 25, 2021.
Introduction
It happens to everyone. You flip through radio stations trying to find a good listen. Finally, you land on a song that sounds promising. Once a few lyrics come through, however, you realize your new jam is actually a “worship” song. Some people joke about feeling tricked into observing religion in a situation like this. Others, however, may end up listening for the duration. They enjoy the music despite (or because of) the proselytizing. After all, it’s the music, not the message, that was attractive in the first place.
Aside from some obvious exceptions, popular culture doesn’t often intersect directly with stories of faith. Typically, overtly religious content lives firmly in its own limited, yet lucrative, niche market. Whether it’s music, film, TV, literature, or children’s programming, there is an abundance of faith-based content out there. Most of it never sees the mainstream light of day.
Background
In recent years, there has been a small but noticeable shift in some of the religious cinematic projects coming out of regional production houses. Instead of traditional church movies that tackle Bible stories or modern cautionary tales, newer filmmakers in the genre are incorporating more subtle themes of faith within an inspirational story.
This trend makes such a project more appealing to a broader audience. It also works to bring that audience to the underlying message the filmmakers want to convey. A win-win situation. If the film is any good, that is. This theory is tested with the new football memoir American Underdog, directed by The Erwin Brothers. Strangers to neither sports dramas nor spiritual storytelling, Andrew and John Erwin cut their filmmaking teeth in both arenas.
With early gigs doing camera work for ESPN, they later incorporated their strong faith in more overt stories of religious redemption in TV and film. The directing team has already enjoyed considerable success in their cottage market. This latest effort marks the duo’s first major mainstream outing, with a nationwide release with Lionsgate.
Synopsis
American Underdog tells the unlikely success story of famed NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. The film starts with a meager beginning and grandiose aspirations in the Iowa countryside. Warner dreams of achieving football greatness from a very young age. Following through on that dream, the gifted but cocky athlete takes his skills to the University of Iowa. It’s here where his over-confidence sometimes gets the best of him.
While finishing up his college career, Warner meets Brenda. She’s a single mom who unexpectedly helps put Warner’s life on the path, not only to success, but more importantly to happiness.
As Warner’s personal life finally crystallizes, so does his professional life. In the span of five years, Warner’s career goes from struggling grocery store clerk to Super Bowl and MVP winner. Throughout his unorthodox rise to the top, Warner relies on his family and faith to help pull him through some very dark times. His family and faith are also what teach Warner the real meaning of life along the way.
Analysis
American Underdog is a terrific story of implausible triumph. As Dennis Quaid quips when portraying Ram’s head coach Dick Vermeil, “You couldn’t ask for a better script.” Though the focus of the film is on the inspiring story of unconventional athletic success, Warner’s consummate chivalry might be an even more implausible aspect of the narrative.
Early in the film, the Erwin brothers establish Warner’s down home gentleman status. This is done via a series of saccharine-sweet scenes that teeter dangerously close to over-the-top. Warner learns to line dance to woo Brenda, instantly bonds with her kids, and charms Brenda’s parents. This all might seem too good to be true, but apparently, Warner’s real-life romance and dedication to his family is legit.
Thankfully, all of the heaviness (and occasional cheesiness) in American Underdog is nicely offset by several well-timed gridiron sequences. The invigorating scenes on the practice field and during game days help cut the borderline melodrama. Though Warner’s personal story is clearly tantamount to his professional one, American Underdog really finds its feet in the final act when his football career finally begins to soar.
It also doesn’t hurt that the Erwin Brother’s have a well-honed skill at capturing the line of scrimmage intensity that is the NFL. This makes for vibrant, nail-biting football fun. It takes a certain type of talent to keep a viewer on the edge of their seat, even when they already know the eventual outcome.
Performances
Helping veer American Underdog away from its mawkish tendencies are the heartfelt performances from the impressive cast. Anna Paquin’s portrayal of headstrong Brenda pays perfect homage to the former Marine and matriarch of the Warner family. In Paquin’s talented hands, Brenda’s story of patience and perseverance shines through, not just as a doting wife and mother, but as an accomplished professional in her own right.
Where some performers might drown in all the heaviness her character is dealt, Paquin’s convincing delivery saves many scenes that might otherwise feel emotionally overwrought. This despite a distractingly unfortunate wig that doesn’t do the real Brenda’s signature short cropped look any justice.
The trip through Warner’s backstory pays off in the final act with the thoroughly enjoyable addition of Dennis Quaid as St. Louis Rams head coach Dick Vermeil. Quaid’s pivotal performance in American Underdog mirrors his character’s crucial entrance in Warner’s career, further energizing a mostly down-and-out story with a spark like no other.
Zachary Levi’s turn as Warner is the obvious heart and soul of the inspirational narrative. Levi has perfected that special blend of impeccable timing and inimitable charm in a physically impressive package. While Levi didn’t invent the beefcake with bravado thing, he can capitalize on the winning combo all he wants with his undeniable charisma and talent.
Levi effortlessly sells the good-guy schtick, proving his versatility once again with a performance that is emotionally and physically charged. When Warner’s story might feel a bit too romanticized, Levi’s take on the gentle giant brings ample levity, even when things start to get mushy.
Additional Discussion
While references to the Warner family’s faith are numerous, the Erwin Brothers keep the overtones minimal. This subtle inclusion of Warner’s religious devotion honors its importance without hitting the audience over the head with it. The religious themes of the film may not resonate with every audience. However, including the integral nature of Warner’s faith to his ultimate trajectory is paramount in telling his story accurately.
For filmmakers who wish to focus on inspirational stories of spiritual growth, an against-all-odds story like Kurt Warner’s provides a perfect vehicle for spreading such a message, while also entertaining the masses. Despite the unavoidable melodrama inherent to the ups and downs of such an incredible tale, American Underdog’s overall charm and uplifting energy just might translate to mainstream success for the inspirational sports drama.
Conclusion
Whether or not you feel duped into enjoying some faith-based content, American Underdog is an awe-inspiring saga of hard work and family values that can be appreciated by both the secular and the devout.
Lionsgate will release American Underdog in theaters nationwide on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021.
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