We Are Marshall tells an inspiring true story set in Huntington, West Virginia, a small town steeped in the rich tradition of college football. For decades, players, coaches, fans and families have come together to cheer on Marshall University's Thundering Herd. For this team and this community, Marshall football is more than just a sport, it's a way of life. But on a fateful night in 1970, while traveling back to Huntington after a game in North Carolina, 75 members of Marshall's football team and coaching staff were killed in a plane crash. As those left behind struggled to cope with the devastating loss of their loved ones, the grieving families found hope and strength in the leadership of Jack Lengyel, a young coach who was determined to rebuild Marshall's football program and in the process helped to heal a community.
As I've said previously in some postings - I am a total sucker for a good underdog sports movie. This one definitely landed right on my sweet spot. Add to the fact that it was based on a true story and had great performances by everyone (especially Matthew McConaughey as the quirky head coach) and the fact that the university is where the New York Jets Chad Pennington went to and he gets a shout out at the end of the movie (Sorry, people. My beloved Jets are in the playoff hunt . . . . J . . . . E . . . . . T . . . . . S . . . . JETS JETS JETS!), I give this movie a big thumbs up.
I recommend this movie for viewing at the local theater. It's not a must see, but worth the trip if you have the time/money.
