Nearly four decades after being kicked off his team, Mike returns to his alma mater to take the hit that changed everything. Bruised, doubted, and nearly broken, he fights for one last shot at the ending he still believes is possible.
Chuck says:
Rod Lurie’s “The Senior” is the latest inspirational movie from Angel Studios, the distributor that’s cornered the market on faith-based films. While it is intended as a feel-good movie, it would be more accurate to call it a “feel-meh” affair. Though the script by Robert Eisele is based on a true story, his reliance on cliches throws the film for a loss that it never recovers from. While Lurie’s intentions are good and his approach fine, in the end he and his dedicated cast can’t overcome the ironic “been there, done that” feeling” that hangs over this unique story.
In 2007, Mike Flynt walked on to try out for the Sul Ross State University football team in Alpine, Texas. What made this a special event is the fact that at the time, he was 59 years old. Having been expelled from the school during his senior year for excessive fighting, Flynt realized he had a year of eligibility left and decided to go back and fix, what he called, “the greatest regret of my life.” Needless to say, he became a media sensation, bringing the sort of publicity to the school you couldn’t pay for, all of which culminated with Flynt on the offensive line for a series of downs in one October game.
Eisele takes more than a few liberties with the story, casting Flynt (Michael Chiklis) as a blue-collar construction worker with an estranged son. (Flynt was actually a strength coach for Texas A & M) He’s also portrayed as a troubled man, haunted by his demanding father who would put him through demanding physical ordeals and instilled in him the notion that most problems could be solved with your fists. That Flynt takes the same approach with his son Micah (Brandon Flynn), comes as no surprise.
Running a bit over 90 minutes, Lurie keeps things moving as we cover the movie’s familiar narrative beats. Flynt meets opposition from his wife, Eileen (Mary Stuart Masterson) as she is concerned about his health, anger from his son over his priorities, Coach Weston’s (Rob Corddry) resistance to play him, as well as looks of disbelief from his much younger teammates.
Of course, all these problems are solved with perseverance and faith. Eisele wisely doesn’t overplay this aspect, the introduction of Christian values as the reason for Flynt’s success mentioned only on a couple of occasions. Rather, hard work and family unity are seen as the prime motivators, a relatable approach that prevents the story from becoming too outlandish.
Fortunately, Lurie has assembled a solid cast that brings the authenticity necessary to ground the story. Chiklis’ brand of intensity and strength is used to great effect in bringing Flynt to life, while Masterson’s quiet demeanor, which belies a fierce devotion to her husband, nicely compliments her co-star’s approach. And while Flynn is a bit too obvious as their son, Corddry, known for his comedic chops, takes a much-welcomed reserved approach to Coach Weston. Corey Knight, Chris Becerra, Terayle Hill and Chris Setticase all capably portray the teammates Flynt takes under his wing.
Competently rendered but containing nary a surprise, “The Senior” is the sort of family fare taken in on a weekend afternoon, one that will be generate positive feelings around the dinner table and a bit of inspiration for all. Though ultimately forgettable, if the film can provide a short respite from the insanity surrounding us, it should be given credit for that.
2 Stars
