My 'We Are Marshall' Review
Parts of the movie are very emotional. Some scenes suffer from pacing problems and some rather poor film techniques. For example, when Matthew McConaughey stands in front of the Memorial at Spring Hill Cemetery the background looks like a poor rendered video game. There are other scenes that use this effect that makes the movie look crappy in places. While other scenes show building that weren't built in during the period. I can forgive McG for those.
Ian McShane gives a standout performance. McConaughey isn't as bad as some reviews make him out, but he does give a rather crazy uncle feel to coach Jack Lengyel. It works for the most part. David Strathairn also does a wonderful performance as President Donald Dedmon.
Matthew Fox as Red Dawson is rather wooden. But Red Dawson can be rather wooden in real life. He has carried the burden of the crash and the job of rebuilding the team around he's whole life.
I teared up every time Christian Kanupke appeared as a young Keith Morehouse. He represents all the orphans. His character is one of the best parts of the film. It's also some of the saddest.
I had problems with the Chris Griffen composite character. I could not mourn for him, because he never existed.
I tried to watch this feel from the point of view of someone who does not have emotional ties to the movie, and it just wasn't a good.
If you from West Virginia or ever went to Marshall, see this film. If you have no ties to Marshall or West Virginia, there might not be much their for you. If you want to know the real story behind the movie rent or buy the DVD of Ashes to Glory.
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