|
| • Advanced Search • Help |
Varsity Blues | Year: 1999 Classification: Drama Directed: - Brian Robbins Actors/Actresses: - James Van Der Beek - Jon Voight - Ali Larter - Amy Smart Kind of Grows on You When I first saw this film, I hated it. I could not find a single likeable character in the movie: the backup quarterback who couldn't seem to make up his mind whether to be ambivalent or committed to football; an obsessed, fanatical head coach; shallow, self-absorbed, hedonistic jocks; a whipped cream cheerleader; a little brother with an identity crisis; and moronic football dads wanting to do nothing more than live vicariously through their sons. Outside of a headbanging soundtrack and sensational football action, I was anything but impressed with VARSITY BLUES. Then I caught the film on cable recently, and watched it. Then I rented it, and watched it again. Perhaps I had been too judgmental my first viewing: VARSITY BLUES was slowly but surely revealing itself to me as a very entertaining movie. I came to appreciate Jonathan "Mox" Moxon (James Van Der Beek), a second string quarterback with aspirations to go to an Ivy League college suddenly thrust into the spotlight of his west Texas town as the new starting signal caller. I came to loathe Bud Kilmer (Jon Voight), the epitome of the abusive, cruel, vindictive, win-at-all-costs head football coach. I came to enjoy the small town "feel" of this film, where high school football players are placed on a pedestal and allowed to run wild. And what can you say about Billy Bob (Ron Lester) and Tweeder (Scott Caan), other than these two raunchy characters flavor this movie whenever they appear like onions in Texas chili? Setting aside a hopelessly unrealistic player revolt (Where were the other coaches to take over when Kilmer left?), director Brian Robbins furnishes fast-moving A suprisingly excellent movie What do you get when you cross teen angst, high school football and a whipped cream bikini? You get "Varsity Blues", MTV Production's witty yet poignant look at the life of high school footballers. James Van der Beek plays the lead, and does a good job portraying the smart, quick-witted Jon "Mox" Moxon. John Voight does an incredible job as the antagonistic head coach of the school's team. The rest of the cast thrive in the wonderful blend of comedy and drama that make the flick well worth seeing. It often has the feel of an 80s brat pack movie, but with a more modern twist. Though I doubt it will ever join the ranks of "Ferris Beuller" or "The Breakfast Club", it certainly has a rightful place near the top of the genre. A Late 90's Classic. Ok, so James Van Der Beek's Texas accent isn't all that great. So what if no football coach in their right mind would run a hook-and-ladder play to a 350 pound lineman. What does it matter that very few of us ever have a teacher as hot as Miss Davis...much less one that works in a strip club? It's still a great movie. Look people, this isn't supposed to be a drama. This is a comedy-drama. Some dramatic parts, but it's supposed to be funny overall. That's why the movie has Tweeder! There are a few dramatic parts to the film, but it's mostly comedy. The intended audience is obviously the high school and college age, but can be enjoyed by nearly everyone...especially football fans. Who knew that MTV Films was capable of making a movie like this? It did very well at the box office, and the DVD has sold well too...for good reason. Come on....everyone has to laugh when Tweeder steals the police car. related to Odessa, TX's Permian High School Panthers?? Does anyone know if the story behind Varsity Blues is related or drawn from the book, 'Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream' by H. G. Bissinger? Anyone know? Thanks in advance... Buy Varsity Blues at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Varsity Blues Search with the Priority Search Engine on Varsity Blues This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
|
