American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story (2021) Review

 

American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story (2021)

American Underdog follows the inspiring true story of Kurt Warner, from his days stocking shelves to finally making it in the NFL, and the challenges he faced along the way. 

Few sports stories rival the underdog story that Kurt Warner was faced with on his long road to the NFL glory. Sat the bench in college and went undrafted, lost his chance with the Packers, stocked shelves just to get by and provide for his family, a 3 year stint in the Arena Football League with the Iowa Barnstormers, and only then did his chance come to play with the Los Angeles Rams, leading them to the Super Bowl in what would be called “The Greatest Show on Turf”.

Therefore, it’s no surprise a film would be made about his journey and while there is certainly no new ground broken (we’ve seen the underdog saga unfold a thousand times), that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a worthwhile and enjoyable watch for the whole family because it’s honestly the journey outside of football that makes this biopic so meaningful. We watch him grow as a man of faith and of family, as he steps in as a father figure for his girlfriend (and now wife) Brenda and her children, while trying to balance an almost impossible dream of playing football, in what is ultimately a heartwarming and inspiring story that is portrayed rather faithfully. 

We get a solid cast as well, starring Adam Baldwin, Chance Kelly, Bruce McGill, Ser’Darius Blain, Dennis Quaid, Hayden Zeller, Anna Paquin, and Zachary Levi. Levi, though looking every bit of 40 years old (for a man supposed to be in his mid to late 20s), does a pretty fair job as the legendary quarterback and brings a lighthearted spirit and determination, but it’s young Hayden Zeller who really steals the show, bringing such a loving innocence to his role in the film. 

American Underdog, directed by Jon and Andrew Erwin, is again, nothing crazy in terms of storytelling but it’s real life message of resilience and faith in your goals and what you believe in is especially feel-good, all in the form of probably the greatest underdog ever, Kurt Warner. 

7.5/10