Movie Review (We Are Marshall)

The tragic true story of the Marshall University football team from 1970. In short the movie is fantastic if not a heart wrencher. Although necessary, the emotions for the story are difficult at best yet, in the end, it wraps up nicely. The story is brilliantly told during the dark days after the Marshall University football team was wiped out in an airplane crash on November 14, 1970. The movie takes you though the anguish of the entire town. The great sorrow affects players who did not travel to that game, a coach who gave up his seat for father, the student of the school, and the parents/townsfolk that so dearly loved their football team. One of the most impactful moments of the film for me was the introduction of Bobby Bowden; then head coach of the West Virginia University Mountaineers. Marshall needed a new offense (the veer) and WVU used that same offense so they traveled to Morgantown where Mr. Bowden allowed them unmitigated access to all of his coaching materials. For years I have heard what a classy man he is yet never understood why; you, Mr. Bowden, are a gentleman first class. The spirit of Jack Lengyel is wonderfully childlike and captured well by Matthew Mconahey (intentional misspelling). A lone bright light during the dark days following the tragedy he infused others with his spirit to bring the best parts of their spirit ( if not their abilities) forward. The cast is tremendous complimenting each other at every turn and nothing got too over-dramatic. The coach's character is summed up best in a scene where he is asked why he would want to coach a team that does not exist. simply stated he says "I thought I could help."

Having watched Marshall for the past several years myself their spirit prevails and is exemplified even by their recent and current players. I remember Watching several years ago when Byron Leftwich broke his leg and refused to leave the field. His teammates had to carry him to the huddle after a long pass down the field. They did not win that game but, in that case, it showed where his loyalty was. When most college stars would sit down and wait for their Sunday paycheck, he wanted to win. I will leave you with this scene: