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American Underdog Blu-ray Review

“American Underdog” is a watchable, but cut and dry biopic.

2021’s “American Underdog” is a sports drama, a family drama, a faith based movie and a biopic all rolled into one. The subject of this feature is former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner who went on to become a Super Bowl Champion. The story chronicles Warner’s life struggles, his unlikely path to the NFL and his family (particularly his relationship with his wife Brenda and her children).

Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, “American Underdog” is a sports biopic that covers all the sports movie cliches ala overcoming adversity, overcoming the odds, the central figure achieving a grand goal and, of course, an ending feature footage of the real life counterpart. There’s nothing new here in this true life Cinderella Story and that’s perfectly OK. It’s meant to be an inspirational feel good crowd pleaser with positive messages about faith, dreams, and family and it delivers in that respect. The script byJon Erwin, Jon Gunn, and David Aaron Cohen definitely follows the faith based movie structure as well but isn’t overly heavy handed in that department. Some viewers might be surprised at how much of the story focuses on the family aspect as opposed to sports, but there’s a reasonable balance between the two.

In terms of the sports scenes, the football action is a bit too glossy. Expect a lot of green screen and CGI shots which take you out of the action at times. At least some real game footage is spliced in at times though.

Zachary Levi seems an unlikely choice for Kurt Warner and while he does come off as a bit awkward in points, he manages to pull the role off. It’s nice to see the actor expanding outside of his comfort zone lately and taking some risks. Anna Paquin delivers the film’s best performance as Brenda the hardworking single mom turned wife of Kurt Warner.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? A nice crisp hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Everything from the music to the tackles hits hard with this Atmos track. 

Extras:
* DVD copy
* Digital copy
* Commentary by directors Andrew and Jon Erwin and producer Kevin Downes.
* Nearly 18 minutes of deleted scenes with optional commentary by Andrew Erwin.
* “American Underdog” theatrical trailer and other Lionsgate trailers.
* “American Underdog: Behind The Story”- Interviews with cast and crew (and Kurt and Brenda Warner) about the real story and themes. Film clips are also included.
* “Behind The Game”- A behind-the-scenes look at the project and the making of the football scenes.
* “Meet The Champion”- An interview between Coach Steve Mariucci and Kurt Warner.
* “New To The Scene: Hayden Zaller”- A featurette on the actor.
* “A Coach’s Faith”- An interview between coach Dick Vermeil and actress Heidi Gardner.
* “Making The Cut and “Inspired”- ‘Cut’ is a featurette about the editing while “Inspired” is all about the casting. 

February 18, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | American Underdog Blu-ray Review, Anna Paquin, Biopic, Faith Based Movie, football, Kurt Warner, NFL, Rams, Super Bowl, Zachary Levi