Movie Review: American Underdog is a touchdown. If you are not a fan of the NFL, there are chances you may not know who Quarterback, Kurt Warner is. I had the opportunity to prescreen American Underdog, and absolutely loved it. While I was not a fan of the then St. Louis Ram, Quarterback Kurt Warner, after watching the film based on his life starring Zachary Levi , I am a fan of him and his family for life. American Underdog is now available everywhere.
American Underdog has run time of one hour and 52 minutes, and is based on the Book “All Things Possible” by Kurt Warner with Michael Silver. Screenplay by Jon Erwin & David Aaron Cohen and Jon Gunn. Directed by Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin, if you saw any press about the film you realize that yes, he does make it into the NFL and yes, Kurt Warner is a Super Bowl champion the struggle to achieve his dreams were not easy. The cast was able to truly bring Warner’s amazing story to life in this film.
Dennis Quaid and Zachary Levi in American Underdog (2021) Credit: IMDB
What I Loved
Overall the film was fantastic. I truly enjoyed watching the film and while my husband kept saying, “Spoiler alert- he makes it into the NFL,” or “Spoiler alert the Rams win,” that took nothing away from the heart of the film. Zachary Levi did an amazing job portraying Warner. Anna Paquin did a fantastic job as Brenda Warner, half the time as a wife I’d think, “damn, she’s got a lot on her plate,” and it did weigh on her like it would any single mother of two. Their love truly overcame all and it was a great inclusion in the film. This film truly included a lot of the different parts of their lives and it made it that much more heartfelt. The tag, “No one wins alone” I thought was pretty spot on. Everyone in the film played a part in the Warner’s lives and I feel that it came from the true character of Kurt Warner.
Brenda Warner, (Paquin) was a single mother to two children. Zach is played by Hayden Zaller, I recently had the opportunity to speak with him about being in the film. Like Brenda’s son Zach, Hayden is also blind. This was his first film and hopefully as he mentioned in our interview, “I hope writers write more parts for blind kids.
Anna Paquin and Zachary Levi in American Underdog (2021) credit: IMDB
What Lacked
Honestly, this is more being me. If aesthetics aren’t your concern, just skip this paragraph. The entire film was fantastic. At the beginning of the film, one of my favorite actors, Academy Award winner, Anna Paquin was done so wrong with the terrible wig they used on her in the beginning of the film. I get that it was the 80’s but come on. Do better, hair and makeup people.
Brenda Warner is a beautiful person. On her own, Brenda, also has an amazing story. She us a US Marine Corp veteran.
Interview with Hayden Zaller
About the Movie
American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.
4K ULTRA HD / BLU-RAY / DVD / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
- Audio Commentary with Directors Andrew and Jon Erwin, and Producer Kevin Downes
- “Inspired” Featurette
- “Making the Cut” Featurette
- “A Coach’s Faith” Featurette (on 4K and Blu-ray™ only)
- “New to the Scene: Hayden Zaller” Featurette
- “Meet the Champion” Featurette
- “Behind the Game” Featurette
- “American Underdog: Behind the Story” Featurette
- Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary by Andrew Erwin
- Theatrical Trailer (on 4K and Blu-ray™ only)
Watch the Trailer Here
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