Sunday, June 27, 2010

The 100 Best Movies: #99

99. Remember the Titans (2000)



Every time I see this movie, I realize how much I like it. The Walt Disney Company in association with Jerry Bruckheimer's company have produced a number of films together including the mega-successful Pirates of the Caribbean series, the National Treasure movies and a series of sports-based films inspired by true stories. This film was the first of that type and they couldn't have done better. This story (as compared to other Disney-Bruckheimer sports-themed movies) is about an unknown and frequently untold story in the sports world, primarily because its about a high school football team. It revolves around the T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia in the 1960's at the beginning of the integration of Southern high schools. The story is about the relationship between the integrated members of the team and how they deal with the tensions surrounding them. It also focuses on the relationship between Denzel Washington's character, head coach Herman Boone, and Will Patton's character, assistant coach Bill Yoast. Both actors bring their best to these roles and you care about each of their viewpoints. Washington is especially good in his role as always. There are also several actors before they were famous in smaller roles like Ryan Gosling as a country music-lovin' football player or a young Hayden Panettierre (of TV's Heroes) in a charming performance as Will Patton's daughter. While formulaic at times, it still works even though some of the events are exaggerated for dramatic effect. If you haven't seen this Disney gem, then get it on DVD because it is worth a watch.

Next Post: #98

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