\u201cThe Senior\u201d is most likely to succeed among true-story audiences, football-movie fans and faith-based film aficionados alike.<\/p>\n
\u2018The Senior\u2019 (IMDb)<\/p>\n
I cried twice. And I\u2019m not ashamed to admit it.<\/p>\n
There are few surprises along the way, but the smart dialogue and terrific character development make this one of the most enjoyable films of the year. Add to that a stellar cast with Michael Chiklis at its core, and you\u2019ve got a crowd-leaser that might have you cheering.<\/p>\n
First, we meet Mike Flynt, the real-life character who, at the age of 59, found redemption in a second chance when he went back to college to play football. In his brief appearance, he welcomes that audience to his story.<\/p>\n
And then we\u2019re introduced to Chiklis (\u201cThe Shield\u201d) as Flynt, who years before was expelled from college because he was involved in so many fights. We see flashbacks of Flynt as a boy as his father encourages him to fight \u2013 to stay tough, and never back off.<\/p>\n
Reluctantly, after encouragement from his wife (Mary Stuart Masterson,) Flynt goes to a reunion of his college football team. Even after decades, Flynt is embarrassed that he let his temper get the best of him so many times.<\/p>\n
He considers what he missed because he didn\u2019t play during what could have been his last year in college, and returns to the university in Texas, where he meets with the coach (Rob Corddry.)<\/p>\n
Despite the misgivings of nearly everyone around him, Flynt goes back to school and the team. And he begins to train with young men who astonished at his presence \u2013 players who insist on calling him \u201cMister.\u201d But they soon grow to like the determined \u201cnew\u201d player. There\u2019s a great scene locker-room scene that involves the classic Spinners song \u201cRubberband Man\u201d that is so joyful I\u2019d watch it again.<\/p>\n
The faith-based elements are brief. They\u2019re never preachy \u2013 they are just part of Flynt\u2019s journey to redemption.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t need to be surprised to be touched by likeable characters, smart dialogue and real-life challenges in a sports underdog story that\u2019s all the better because it\u2019s true. It reminds me a lot of \u201cRudy\u201d and Seabiscuit,\u201d both terrific feel-good real-life stories.<\/p>\n
The last few frames of this film really got to me. That image \u2013 I refuse to tell you what it is \u2013 transitions into a mini-documentary with photos and brief videos of the real Flynt, Chiklis, and other characters in the film.<\/p>\n
Let this beautiful film tackle your heart.<\/p>\n
4 stars<\/p>\n
Running time: One hour and 39 minutes.<\/p>\n
Rated: PG for brief violence and coarse language.<\/p>\n
In theaters.<\/p>\n
Watch the trailer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/i><\/p>\n