When the movie “August Rush” came out several years ago, my daughter Kelli saw it. She later said it was OK. Not great. Not awful. Just OK. “But Dad,” she told me, “You would love it. It has a cheesy,
When the movie “August Rush” came out several years ago, my daughter Kelli saw it. She later said it was OK. Not great. Not awful. Just OK.
“But Dad,” she told me, “You would love it. It has a cheesy, happy ending.”
So I saw August Rush. The ending was cheesy and happy. A musically gifted boy triumphs in face of a crazed Robin Williams, and his parents were miraculously reunited. And yes, I loved it.
I’m one of those people who enjoy feel-good movies, movies that just make me happy, fired up, roaring and ready to get out there, just wanting to do better, to do more.
There are days I feel defeated and depressed. I don’t even want to run. It’s those days, some movie magic kickstarts my reserves. There are movies that simply leave me with a smile and the belief there are good days ahead.
It just so happens I have a list of such movies, and it just so happens they’re all related to sports. Go figure. Some you may have seen. Some were box office hits. Others, perhaps not. These movies were not necessarily critically acclaimed or in line for an Oscar. But they are movies that elevate my optimism. They made me want to take a risk, take a shot, and test myself. They made me believe I can make a difference in this world. And when you feel positive mentally, it follows you’ll feel better physically.
Nothing like inspiration on the silver screen.
Spoiler alert before you read this list: Must love happy endings.
Top 20 feel-good movies according to this writer:
20. Saint Ralph
A little known Canadian running film that came out in 2004. A 14-year-old vows to win the Boston Marathon to bring his mother out of a coma. Sure, it’s preposterous. No 14-year-old could win Boston. But, ah, the sprint to the finish makes me want to kick my butt into gear and just believe something like this kid did. “Run, Walker, Run!”
19. The Karate Kid
Forget the rest of the movies in this series. This original (1984), starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, inspired a nation to rise up, learn karate, beat the bad guys, get the girl and learn the phrase, “wax on, wax off.”
18. Facing the Giants
Another football movie (2006) of the underdog overcoming the odds. You’ve seen it before. No acting awards here. But watch the scene when the coach screams at a player carrying another on his back as he crawls the length of the field. The message: We are capable of more than we think, and we influence those around us.
17. Warrior
Brothers face off in this 2011 mixed-martial arts film. The story is compelling, the fight scenes, mixed with music, awesome. Brother against brother. Lord, the ending gets you right in the heart. Almost makes me wish I could fight one of my brothers in the octagon. Almost.
16. The Fighter
Christian Bale steals the show from Mark Wahlberg. The language in this film is rough. This is not one for kids.. But to see the drug-addicted brother rise above and overcome drugs is better than brother who rises to the top of his boxing division.
15. The Jericho Mile
This 1979 running film features Peter Strauss as Rain Murphy, a man who killed his father in defense of a family member, and is sentenced to prison. Rain can run extremely fast, turns out. Only, they don’t let convicted killers in the Olympics (at least not then). Got to love the passion of this man (and his high white socks) as he races on the prison track, alone, to the Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil.”
14. Remember the Titans
You all know this film. Honestly, a bit overrated and I don’t buy the final play that wins the championship. But it’s based on a true story, so who am I to question. Go Titans!
13. Cinderella Man
Russell Crowe has America rooting for him as Jimmy Braddock. Another film based on a true story of a Depression-era fighter. This wasn’t a big hit, but it should have been. Lights out one of the best.
12. Friday Night Lights
High school football in Texas. Is there anything better? Just skip to the final game and crank it up. The coaches half-time speech will inspire his players, and you, to greatness.
11. The Sandlot
It’s been 20 years since this film came out that tells the tale of boys, a field, a baseball and a junkyard dog. It’s flat fun and nostalgic. The final scene and line, “I don’t believe it! The Jet stole home, the Jet stole home!” is sheer delight. Did I mention I love baseball?
10. Rocky 6
The old man’s still battling in this finale to the Rocky Balboa saga. Overdone, sure. But what’s not to like? “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward … get up.” And of course, Rocky does and by God, we cheer!
9. Field of Dreams
If there’s a better baseball movie, well, I haven’t seen it (sorry Bull Durham or The Natural). Over the top gushy, but brilliant. And as I said, I love baseball. You’ll find yourself wanting to “go the distance,” visit Fenway Park and see if Moonlight Graham’s name appears on the scoreboard. Who isn’t choked up when Kevin Costner asks his ghost father/baseball player, “Hey dad. You want to have a catch?” When my dad visits here soon, we’re tossing the ball around.
8. Soul Surfer
The 2011 film is about Kauai’s own Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer even after a shark attack. My wife and I saw this when it came out, and it was one of the rare films we both loved. The story of Bethany Hamilton persevering and believing in herself is powerful. The story of how she shares her faith and its role in her life is even stronger. The movie is based on book co-authored by Rick Bundschuh, pastor of Kauai Christian Fellowship.
7. The Rookie
Dennis Quad (who by the way, plays dad Tom Hamilton in Soul Surfer) plays high school science teacher Jim Morris in this 2002 movie. Morris finds his fastball again and decides to give it a last shot at the majors. I love old guys who give it their last, best shot. Probably because I’m an old guy who has dreams of glory.
6. Breaking Away
You probably never heard of this one, but you should see it, especially if you own a bike. The 1979 film recounts a teen in Bloomington, Ind., who cycles and races, hangs out with his buddies (Dennis Quaid is in this, too!), and pursues the beautiful girl. The “Cutter” takes on and beats the rich, snobby college kids at their game. How sweet it is.
5. Fire on the Track
A documentary based on the life of Steve Prefontaine, American’s greatest middle-distance runner, University of Oregon star, fourth in the 1,500 in the 1972 Olympics, died in a car crash in 1975 at age 24. Never heard of him? He is one of my heroes because of his passion for running. My youngest son just sent me a phone cover that has “Stop Pre” in white lettering over the red stop sign symbol on the back. Ask me and I’ll tell you what that means.
4. Endurance
Based on my other running hero, Haile Gebrselassie, the great Ethiopian who won gold in the 10,000 in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics and is considered by many the greatest distance runner ever. The opening scene is pure magic. I still hope to own two labs and name them Pre and Haile.
3. Chariots of Fire
Everyone knows this 1981 film based on the true story of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams as they ready for the 1924 Olympics. They overcome their own challenges — one a Christian, one a Jew — because of their discipline and strength of character.
2. Rudy
Film (1993) based on the true story of “Rudy” Ruettiger, who despite being a little guy with minimal talent, makes the Notre Dame football practice squad and actually gets to play in the final game of the season. No one, not even his dad, really believed he could do it, but Rudy persisted. The message? Don’t quit. Never give up. There is a Rudy in all of us. “I can do it, coach!”
1. Rocky
Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar-winning film came out in 1976. Boxing bum turned almost-champ. “Yo, Adrian, I did it!” Yes, you did Rock. You won our hearts. We ran up stairs with leaps and bounds, swallowed raw eggs, and punched frozen beef at the meat plant. Thanks for making us believe not just in the “Italian Stallion,” but in ourselves.
