Film 51 (Goal: 300) of 2024

Leading up to Superbowl I'm on a bit of a Sports movie kick and have been blessed to find several movies that I wasn't really aware of, with this being one of them. 12 Mighty Orphans is an underdog story about a talented coach, who gives up a promising position to train students at an orphanage to play football. From there they struggle to overcome all the odds thrown their way.

It's a stereotypical film, though the setting is different. But that doesn't make it a bad thing. 12 Mighty Orphans is at it's weakest in how quickly it allows the team to succeed once changes are made. Whether that's historically accurate or not, I haven't fact checked. There are also moments that should have been focused on or extended, again mainly revolving around the football matches, that are rushed through.

12 Mighty Orphans is well acted and I'd like to see Luke Wilson get more opportunities to do serious fare. Wayne Knight brings that cowardly, sleaziness that was so often a part of the Newman role in Seinfeld, however the comedy is all gone. This makes for a very unlikeable and despicable character.

The film may get lost among some of the bigger and more successful sports films, but this should be overlooked. It's a solid film and an easy watch.