American Underdog is a 2021 biographical sports drama, originally marketed as American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, who previously directed I Still Believe (2020) and I Can Only Imagine (2018). Based on the book All Things Possible, from authors Kurt Warner and Michael Silver, and a screenplay from David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin. The film tells the story of NFL MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback, Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming arguably the greatest undrafted player in NFL history.

The cast includes Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner, Beau Hart as Young Kurt Warner, Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner, Dennis Quaid as Dick Vermeil, Chance Kelly as Mike Martz, Cindy Hogan as Sue Warner, Ser'Darius Blain as Mike Hudnutt, Adam Baldwin as Terry Allen, Bruce McGill as Jim Foster, Danny Vinson as Larry, Hayden Zaller as Zack Warner, Cora Kate Wilkerson as Jesse Jo Warner, OJ Keith Simpson as Marshall Faulk, and Nic Harris as Ray Lewis.

American Underdog released exclusively in theaters on December 25th, courtesy of Lionsgate.

THE GOOD

I should probably start this review by pointing out the fact that I am a huge football guy, and have been since I was a kid. I grew up idolizing Deion Sanders, but I was always drawn to the polarizing excitement of the NFL. My father and uncles invested countless hours watching NFL football, so naturally I needed to immerse myself into it as well. I remember recording the 1997 Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Green Pay Packers on VHS, and I watched it over and over again. I swear I could see Desmond Howard’s kickoff return for a touchdown in my sleep. I didn’t have any real vested interest in this particular Super Bowl as I was still pretty deep in my Deion Sanders obsession, who was a Dallas Cowboy at the time, but it just made me feel part of something watching it. To this day its hard to explain, but I knew football would forever be a part of my life.

When I first watched the trailer for American Underdog, I honestly thought it looked like something that would land on the Hallmark Network. It just looked corny and forced, and didn’t grab my attention aside from my interest in the subject matter. Lucky for me, and anyone else who decides to make it to the theater, this is one of those situations where the trailer severely undersells a movie. American Underdog is extremely entertaining, heartfelt, well acted, genuinely moving, and more than anything else just a damn good re-telling of one heck of a cool story. NFL MVP / Super Bowl Champion / Hall of Famer Kurt Warner is widely considered the greatest undrafted player in NFL history for good reason.

His road to superstardom was long and grueling, but sometimes it is the struggle that makes the end result worth it. I was in 8th grade when Kurt Warner got his big shot, and I still remember all of the chatter centering around the fact that he went from stocking shelves in a grocery store to leading one of the most prolific offenses in NFL History, aptly known as the “Greatest Show on Turf”. This element of his story turns out to be 100% true, along with the majority of the film as they seemingly relied less on the tendency to spice things up for Hollywood. I won’t focus too much on the other elements as I want people to experience the story for themselves, but it is pretty crazy I will say that. I’ll never look at #13 the same again.

I mean what can I really say about this movie, I left the theater with a big smile on my face and an even bigger appreciation for a guy who I already knew was more than deserving of his Hall of Fame status. American Underdog is a story of tough love, and the support of the people that stick with you in the good times, and the tough times. Even though this is a sports drama based solely on the story of a rising NFL star, it is really more of a family drama and the importance of love and why we need someone special by our side. The relationships formed throughout the film are so powerful that I can easily say in many ways they overshadow the football element.

Now don’t get nervous on me, in no way is that a knock on the film itself, but it is surely a credit to the writing and how convincing the characters are during the telling of such an incredible story. I was completely immersed in the chemistry between Zachary Levi and Hayden Zaller, who plays love interest Brenda Meoni’s legally blind son, Zach. I mean, what a special kid in so many ways, and it was heartwarming to see Zaller, who is legally blind himself, become so immersed in such a pivotal role in the story. This kid will win you over. One specific scene at the end will surely have the tears flowing so be sure to bring tissues.

As far as the acting is concerned, I was extremely impressed by Zachary Levi’s portrayal of Kurt Warner. First of all, of you Google a photo of these two men side by side, the resemblance is uncanny. Because I am such a nice guy, I went ahead and added a photo of the two above. I mean look at that, crazy right?! I mean sure, the resemblance is more to a young Kurt Warner, but he has aged pretty well if I do say so myself. Add in Dennis Quaid as head coach Dick Vermeil, and Chance Kelly as offensive coordinator Mike Martz, and you have quite the crew of doppelgangers. I also thought Bruce McGill was great as Warner’s Arena Football Coach Jim Foster.

Admittedly, True Blood star Anna Paquin wasn’t my first choice to play the love interest and soon-to-be Mrs. Kurt Warner, but I’ll be damned if the two don’t look damn near identical. Could this be the most accurately casted movie in recent memory? Perhaps. Pictured above is Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda at the films premiere. I will also be the first to admit that I was dead wrong as Paquin is fantastic in her role, and the chemistry she develops with Zachary Levi is a big part of why this film works so well. I enjoyed the supporting cast as well right down to Warner’s old high school coach, and really can’t think of any issues I had with the acting.

THE BAD

My issues with this film are few and far between. The argument can be made that American Underdog follows the all too familiar path of feel good sports movies, and it would be difficult to dispute that. But what makes this different is the story itself. I mean, first of all it is entirely based on a true story with much less of the usual Hollywood flare we have come to expect which is impressive if you ask me. I will also point out the primary criticisms of the sports world, which were that Zachary Levi clearly never threw a football in his life before this movie.

Okay well first and foremost, the majority of people who make it big in acting don’t come from an athletic background, barring a few expectations of course, so this is an unfair criticism. Plus, have you seen the Tim Tebow and Kyler Murray commercial? Absolutely BRUTAL as far as acting goes. I mean sure, Tebow can’t really throw a football in the traditional sense either, but you get my point. Bottom line, it is ridiculous to expect a quality actor like Levi to also possess natural QB skills, plus is hardly takes away from the overall impact of the film anyway.

THE VERDICT

An incredible true story of perseverance and relentless determination, American Underdog perfectly encapsulates quarterback Kurt Warner’s improbable journey to Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame inductee. I won’t even sugar coat it, I was in tears by the end of this movie. This is a powerful story that extends well beyond football in such a way that you won’t be able to avoid an emotional attachment. This is a story of struggle, love, support, friendship, and above all else staying true to yourself. Kurt Warner knew what he wanted in his life, and even though he realized there was more to life than football, he still did what it took to achieve his dream.

American Underdog is a story we can all draw some inspiration from, and I hope you will take the time out to see it in theaters sooner than later. Highly recommended.