Review of My All American (2015) by Jeff B — 02 Nov 2016

I don't know anything about the story of Freddie Steinmark nor of the culture of Texas collegiate football in the 60s, but it was certainly a less jaded and profane time, sans the culture wars of the 70s and 80s. Some say the movie is too white bread, too squeaky clean, a time when players actually respected and revered their coaches, but this is Texas, a place where football is religion, and Texas a place of conservative bent. The film harkens back to the days when all movies were PG and graphic sex, violence, and language were non-existent. Sure, in reality there was probably language and references alight even in conservative Texas in the 60s, but who cares? After all, this is Pizzo, he of Rudy and Hoosiers. This is a story of mid-western values, respect for authority, and a time when young men called you ma'am and sir. So let it be, jaded critics.

Overall, the movie was well played. Solid acting and decent script. Sure, you've got the standard collegiate football clichés, but who cares? The only problem I have is why always the focus on the great kid, the great example of courage, hard work, and tenacity who dies? Can we possibly have the same story associated with the living? Not that death is an issue, but speaking of clichés, how many more of these depressing movies need to be made? I'd even go for some kid who's an average or below average player who contracts cancer and dies. I'm sure they're out there, but you'd never know it by what Hollywood has produced.

But overall, I can't complain, and even though I've seen it all before (haven't we all), My All American takes its place nicely in the annals of football tragedy lore. good on ya, mate!