I have never been a huge fan of sports movies. Perhaps it is because I don’t watch the good ones; perhaps it is because I have never been drawn to the traditional sports that Hollywood tends to support in their movie. Mostly I think it is due to the fact that the athletes seem to always be so successful. They have a tough beginning; they have blind determination, one set back and then the grand success. I have been rather sick with a mysterious virus over the last two months and so have not been able to train. I’m not sure if Steve Prefontaine or Rockey ever went through this; the movies don’t show this. None the less, I intend to name a few movies that I have enjoyed over the last few years and seeing as I currently am on a resting policy from the doctors and John, they will have to serve as my workouts.
Remember the Titans
A superb movie. This movie deals with racism in the 70’s as
much as it deals with football. It tells the story of one of the first mixed
high schools and their football team. It profiles their struggles and triumphs.
I pretty much know this movie off by heart and distinctly remember playing the
movie through in my head while quality controlling tuxedos a Moore’s at my
summer job. Memories about Coach Boone’s drive for perfection include
"We will be perfect in every aspect of the game. You drop a pass; you run a mile. You miss a blocking assignment; you run a mile. You fumble the football, and I will break my foot off in your John Brown hind parts and then you will run a mile. Perfection. Let's go to work."
The other key quote from coach Boone is
"I don't scratch my head unless it itches and I don't dance unless I hear some music. I will not be intimidated. That's just the way it is."
Bend it like Beckham
This comedy follows Jess whose dream is to play football (soccer). However, her Indian parents think "What family would want a daughter-in-law who can run around kicking football all day but can't make round chapattis?" Jess doesn’t see eye to eye with them and sneaks off to play football.
The Rocket
I don’t know much about Maurice Richard’s life so I can’t tell you if this move is remotely accurate. I thought it was very motivational in that although quiet spoken, The Rocket never gives in and fights for what he wants. I can’t remember any direct quotes but one part that stands out is when he helps his brother move into his new place all day and his brother is exhausted and bets against Maurice because he assumes he is exhausted like him but Maurice wins anyway.
Stick It
When Alana and I saw this one we thought it was going to be a cheap teenage funny movie. And while that was defiantly an aspect of the movie it also addressed the unfairness of gymnastics and judging and was a generally good pump up movie.
Swimming Upstream
This is a movie of two brothers who grow up with a strict father who pushes them a bit too hard at times. This movie has some really good scenes of training and giving it your best.
Without Limits
This movie showcases the life of Steve Prefontaine under the instruction of Bill Bowerman. Although in this movie Pre’s life is "hollywoodized" it is a fantastic movie. Steve has confidence like no other. Although this movie is motivational I would not recommend watching it before a race as it causes you to go out very fast as Steve is obsessed with front running. Memorable quotes include:
"I don't want to win unless I know I've done my best, and the only way I know how to do that is to run out front, flat out until I have nothing left. Winning any other way is chicken-shit."
300
Okay, not a sports movie but I do recall many strength workouts inspired by this movie as well as throwing our ski poles around at each other yelling "THIS IS SPARTA"
I know there are probably many other movies that I am missing or have never seen. I can’t wait for a feature film showing the life of a famous cross-country skier.
"Technically Cool Eyewear!"