macordovil66
The Game of Their Lives touched me so much because all the cast act so natural and so well! Also because the director, David Anspaugh lead us to places, like Brazil, Rio De Janeiro that seems so alike the time it took place , like their costumes, haircuts, the songs andthe lovely way that Jimmy Jean-Louis dances the samba. Gerard Butler is great in this movie, showing us a completely different way of acting, assimilating Frank Borghi's personality . It's a very well done movie, touching, beautiful, cheerful and the music is wonderful! It's a movie so full of energy, emotion and action that never , in one single moment, it's boring. I can watch it over and over again. Maria
gradyharp
THE MIRACLE MATCH (released rather unsuccessfully in the theaters as THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES) is yet another one of those feel good movies that dwells on the concept that the problems of humanity can be resolved on the playing field. And that is not a bad metaphor: wouldn't it be great if current world problems could be worked out under the guidelines of teamwork? The film is a heartwarming look at the true story of a 1950's event when a US Soccer team was created in St. Louis, Missouri, the core of the team being from Italian families in the La Montagna area of St. Louis and augmented from teams across the country, traveled to Brazil and defeated the English team in the World Cup Soccer event - a fact that startled the sports world. The St. Louis boys include Gerard Butler (yes, the film was made in 2005 and yet Butler looks younger and speaks without his brogue), Jay Rodan, Costas Mandylor, Louis Mandylor, Zachery Ty Bryan, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Richard Jenik and Nelson Vargas. They all do well, giving us the feeling that they are fully attuned to the story. The other actors (including a bit part by Patrick Stewart) handle their rather weakly written parts adequately.The problem with the film, though probably quite accurate in reporting a true incident (the real and surviving original players form the team are included in the rather corny ending), is that we really don't get to know the personalities of the team players well enough to create a successful drama. The majority of the film is shot during soccer games and that becomes monotonous to those of us who are not soccer devotees. But given that problem, the film has a sweetness about it and an honesty that while bordering on saccharine does indeed emphasize the team spirit needed to conquer all odds. And in the end it is worth watching to view Gerard Butler in yet another type of character: the actor is well on the rise! Grady Harp
hobbes3
This is a likable depiction of a little known event in American sports history; the defeat of soccer superpower England at the hands of an unknown, underfunded U.S. team (most of whom are sons of Italian immigrants) during the World Cup in Brazil in 1950. The film defines the characters, showing their Italian roots as well as their pride at being Americans without crossing the line into stereo-type. Their are a couple of moments that appear as if they're heading in that direction but, then the film deftly veers around it. The scenes on the pitch are exciting and compelling, particularly the ultimate match with the English. Even though the outcome is a matter of record, I was still captivated. Part of the reason for this might be all those shots of walking pheromone Gerard Butler as goalie Frank Borghi. (Disclaimer:Mr. Butler was the real reason I picked up this little film.) *Spoiler*I'm glad they included the real players that were still alive at the time of filming in the final scene. I'll watch this again. I rented it last night, bought it this morning.
acxiombill
Saw this movie while on a flight several months ago (AmericaWest - now USAirways). Could not understand how I missed it at the theaters, but from reading the posts, I now know -- very limited distribution.As my daughter is a serious club soccer 'keeper (they are #1 in AZ, 7th in the USA) I wanted to buy the DVD to show to her club team mates AND some of the other players in her Olympic Development Program. It's been driving me nuts trying to find this film! Seems like I am the only one in this state to have seen the film! I found it to be light on the actual soccer but full of sacrifice and inspiration and a true demonstration of how the human spirit can triumph over seemingly impossible odds.A lighter, soccer version of "Remember the Titans" -- but not as "gritty". If you can find it -- go see it.Drew
AD
