 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
We Are Marshall
- Review Date: September 17, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Conventional football drama doesn't quite score.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that tweens and teens who like sports movies may very well want to see this emotional drama, which is based on a real-life 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people from a small West Virginia university, including football team members and staff. The crash is rendered in an instant (as an electrical "zap"); viewers then see flaming wreckage in the woods as firemen shake their heads (no bodies, just sadness). Mourning, often angrily expressed, takes place at funerals, over meals, and during football practice. The film includes some iffy language ("damn," "s--t," and "hell"), as well as tension among players, coaches, and boosters. In one scene, players drink a case of beer, bonding in their drunkenness.
What's the story?
Based on a true story, WE ARE MARSHALL focuses on the recovery of the Marshall University football team and the surrounding West Virginia community following the November 1970 plane crash that killed 75 team members, coaches, and boosters. Although he's scheduled to be on the doomed flight from North Carolina, Coach Red (Matthew Fox) does his assistant a favor, putting him on the plane and driving himself home, completing a recruiting run on the way. Horrified that his decision led to the assistant's death, Red quits football, assuming, with everyone else, that the university will disband or at least suspend the program. But then, according to the movie, some surviving team members (who were injured that weekend, and so not at the game) ask to reinstate the program. University president Don Dedmon (David Strathairn) gives in to their demand, eventually hiring a new coach, Jack (Matthew McConaughey), who provides the yin to Red's yang.
Is it any good?
Conventional in every way, We Are Marshall is stuffed full of meaningful music and montages, but it rarely overcomes generic clichés.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the appeal of sports movies. Why do audiences like them? Families can also talk about how the different characters in the movie deal with the tragedy. What's the best way to honor the memory of the dead players and coaches?
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AGE
One of the best movies of 2006
Very emotional movie, well done.
Honestly told. One of the most touching movies I have seen.
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AGE
Not entirely a sports movie...good drama though
You feel for the Marshall team, and probably for another 4 weeks your buddies will work the phrase "we are Marshall" in every conversation. The acting is decent, and it's gripping enough for you not to think "Ugh, not another lame McConaughey flick.
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AGE
I LOVED IT!!!
This movie was very close to my heart. My mom and my grandparents almost got on the plane that crashes in this movie but decided last minute to drive home. I thought the actors in the movie did a great job playing their roles. I think that this is the best movie in 2006.
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AGE
This is my home. . .
To those in Hollywood who focus soley on how many people can die creatively in movies or how much filth they can put in a movie, this movie won't appeal to them. But the fact is this. . . this was truely tragic and it devestated our area. There are people that to this day cant speak of it. This film honored them, it honored the victims, and it honored our home. People have become so calloused by the bad entertainment that they can't recognize or enjoy a genuine story of triumph over adversity. Watch this movie. You won't be disappointed.
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AGE
I recommend this movie even for people who don't like sports like myself. This movie sends very powerful messages to the audience.
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AGE
For Football fans and drama lovers
It's a very good movie. it's sorta sad at someparts but other wise it's good.
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AGE
I cried and cheered the football team and university
I cried and cheered the Marshall Univerity Teams and student for over coming their tragedity. I am so glad they became one of the best football teams in the ninties. They honored the fallen teammates and coaches and alumini.
dollbaby
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AGE
how did this get 2 stars?
great movie for kids 8 and up because of plain crash and some swearing 5 stars. Rated PG-violence, language.
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | McG |
| Cast: | Anthony Mackie, Matthew Fox, Matthew McConaughey |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 124 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 21, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | September 18, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | emotional thematic material, a crash scene, and mild language. |
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