First, the Recap:
Fortitude. Tenacity. Endurance. Commitment. Unshakable courage. Steadfast even in the face of adversity. Possessing the desire to push through pain in order to excel and achieve a greater goal. All of this terminology and phraseology can be applied to the story of Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock), a young man from Colorado who has a dream. A dream to play college football at a big school that could lead to an assured future in the NFL. Even as a child, Freddie was fast and could score more touchdowns than any other player on his little league team. With a father (Michael Reilly Burke) whose own professional sports endeavors had been cut short, Freddie is pushed to become what his father couldn’t be.
However, deemed too small by several top schools, Freddie’s future seems unsecured until an unexpected inroad is provided, thanks to his high school coach plus fellow teammate Bobby Mitchell (Rett Terrell), to meet Texas Longhorn’s coach Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart). With the surprise acceptance and his high school sweetheart Linda Wheeler (Sarah Bolger) also attending the university, Freddie’s exceptionally powerful work ethic and positive attitude make him an invaluable part of a Texas team looking to set the past behind them and win a National Championship. Through the ups and downs of a new offensive scheme plus off the field events of the time, Freddie remains an inspiration to everyone around him. But when a devastating condition strikes him, the real test of his dedication to himself and others begins.
Next, my Mind:
Based on the Jim Dent novel “Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story”, writer/director Angelo Pizzo (“Rudy”, “Hoosiers”) is no stranger to inspired tales from the world of sports and effectively bringing them to life on screen. And with “My All American”, he has accomplished this wonderfully again, presenting the tale of Steinmark with poise, humor, dramatic weight, and the dominant themes of deep friendship, love, brotherhood, and perseverance. As this reviewer has stated before, these are the kinds of stories that need to be shown to the world in order to elucidate and keep in our minds the hard realities of cancer and its volatile and perpetually unforgiving nature, yet see boldness in standing up against it.
Finn Wittrock is a seriously excellent presence in playing Steinmark, and most certainly exemplifies being equally prepared for the both physically and emotionally demanding role, carrying it off without overacting, and imbuing the Steinmark character with the necessary, impassioned drive and aim to overcome the obstacles faced he was known for in real life. Likewise, Eckhart’s Coach Royal allows the actor to bring his trademark intensity and genuine heart to bear, believably able to emote both tough and tender with equal conviction. Bolger’s cute-as-a-button, bubbly, but resolute Linda adds the right amount of being “voice of reason” to Steinmark in addition to the love of his life.
As with so many efforts of this nature and theme, “My All American” stands as another true life story that is one part whimsical, one part inspirational, one part hard truths, but all undisputed and bona fide heart.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
