I was petrified.
So begins one of the many memorable sequences in today's installment, The Replacements. Based on the strike season of the NFL, this picks a squad of replacements, or scabs, as they attempt to fulfill their dream to play in the NFL.
Naturally, these are the cast-offs, has-beens and never-was's of the sport who were given their one chance to shine. And like the true story as it unfolded, nearly every single one of the players gave their all to live their one moment in the sun and show that they indeed had what it took to make it at the Big Dance.
Give credit to the Replacements...and the timing of the playoffs. Had both not been as good, and as close, in the season, that strike could have lasted longer, and it's quite possible that the league would have just continued to use the replacement players for an extended period.
The fans just want to enjoy the game, and if the players are giving the effort, who cares if they were drafted # 1, or walked in on an open tryout?
Heading up the cast is Keanu Reeves. He's got a bit of personality in the film, but is easily overshadowed by the band of crazies that surround him on the sidelines. Some notable favorites of mine, Orlando Jones who steals the show whenever he's given the chance as a receive who can't catch. Jon Favreau as a corrections officer who gets to showcase his natural crazy drive. Plus, who can forget Rhys Ifans as Nigel "The Leg" Gruff.
"I'm wiry." Yeah, that's him.
Then you fill the cheerleading staff with some local strippers, and you've got the makings of a playoff contender! Presiding over the craziness, Gene Hackman as the Coach who manages to make something special from this rag-tag assemblage of players.
So enjoy the spot on the countdown! The only NFL related movie to make the list, is easily the best of the bunch.
Sorry Jerry Maguire.
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