Plot: What’s it about?
Based on the true story of Freddie Steinmark, an underdog football player who defied the odds, even off the field. After developing a pain in his leg, Freddie discovers the tragic reality behind that pain. While many people might know the outcome of his story, I’ll leave specifics to the viewer to discover. The film begins in 2010 with an older Coach Royal (Aaron Eckhart) talking to a journalist about Freddie. We then flashback to the 1960’s where we first meet Freddie (Finn Wittrock). He’s told many times that he’s simply too small to play college football by several coaches until he catches Royal’s eye. He offers Freddie a scholarship and he moves to Austin to play for them and we then follow his journey. The majority of the film focuses on Freddie and the team as they are victorious in many games. The last act then shifts gears as we focus on the personal tragedy that Freddie faces.
Admittedly I am not a sports fan, but the film still worked on me as it progressed. I think it helped that I knew little of the true story behind the film. I wasn’t expecting such an emotional film at the end. We get many scenes on the field, and while those might prove exciting to some, they become redundant after a while. I don’t think one can fault the film for that. It is, after all, a sports film. It’d be the equivalent of complaining that a musical has too much singing. Sure, there are many clichés in this film, but sometimes you let your guard down and just let a film work its way on you. I’ll never regard this as a modern classic, but it has its heart in the right place. It helps that it doesn’t feel like a cheat. We’ve seen many films like this, but here there is an added emotional heft that feels rightly earned. The era is nicely recreated here with nothing ringing false. The acting is fine, but Eckhart isn’t given much to do here. I’ve always been a fan of him, but he just isn’t given a lot to do. The film should please sports fans or those with an interest in the source material.
Video: How’s it look?
Universal continues to deliver the goods as we get a virtually flawless transfer. The sports scenes (and there are many) are handled nicely with rich green colors and strong details throughout. It isn’t a flashy film by any means, but the transfer presents it in the best possible way. Fans will be pleased. The image is AVC encoded with a 2.40:1 ratio.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The DTS HD track also does justice to the film. Vocals were always crisp with a clean sound, but the football scenes are what become the most memorable. There’s plenty of background noise during these scenes, and that adds depth to the track. While not overly, this track accurately presents the film.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- The Spirit of Freddie Steinmark – Pretty much an extended trailer as this seems very promotional in nature.
- A look inside My All American – Another short and fluffy piece that acts largely as an extended trailer.
- Previews – Other Universal titles are featured.
The Bottom Line
While not a modern classic, My All American still offers decent entertainment value as long as your expectations aren’t terrible high. We’ve seen films like this before, but what separates this film is the emotional last act that feels genuine. Rent it.
