After a little time away from this list, I decided again to watch the first film listed alphabetically on Sky Movies that I hadn't seen before. This time, that was a film that I think is a little let down by its clunky title "12 Mighty Orphans" as, though it feels very much like a TV movie, there are some decent performances from a capable cast.
Harvey Russell (Luke Wilson) takes over as teacher and football coach at Fort Worth Masonic Orphanage. Despite not having shoes, a football and only having 12 eligible players, Russell's team building and innovative tactics lead the team to some success. At the height of the Great Depression, their story becomes one of inspiration and hope to many across all of Texas, and beyond. There are some though, both within the school and the league, who benefit from things remaining as they are and who will try anything to undermine that success.
In generally I enjoyed "12 Mighty Orphans" more than I thought I might. I had never heard this story before and had no idea of the wider significance of the people involved. I assumed that the football might just be a release from the drudgery of their parentless lives, but actually it goes much further than that and makes the film into a retro feeling underdog sports movie, as the team make an improbable run for the championship.
Luke Wilson is good in what must be considered the lead role, Russell is haunted by his wartime experiences, which explains why he's so defensive of the young men in his care. Martin Sheen is the only other force for good in the boy's lives, as the home's doctor and assistance coach, he also pulls double duty as the film's narrator.
It was, as I say, perhaps a little too "TV Movie" in terms of scope, a little too formulaic and a little too episodic to warrant unfettered acclaim but it was definitely watchable stuff.
Harvey Russell (Luke Wilson) takes over as teacher and football coach at Fort Worth Masonic Orphanage. Despite not having shoes, a football and only having 12 eligible players, Russell's team building and innovative tactics lead the team to some success. At the height of the Great Depression, their story becomes one of inspiration and hope to many across all of Texas, and beyond. There are some though, both within the school and the league, who benefit from things remaining as they are and who will try anything to undermine that success.
In generally I enjoyed "12 Mighty Orphans" more than I thought I might. I had never heard this story before and had no idea of the wider significance of the people involved. I assumed that the football might just be a release from the drudgery of their parentless lives, but actually it goes much further than that and makes the film into a retro feeling underdog sports movie, as the team make an improbable run for the championship.
Luke Wilson is good in what must be considered the lead role, Russell is haunted by his wartime experiences, which explains why he's so defensive of the young men in his care. Martin Sheen is the only other force for good in the boy's lives, as the home's doctor and assistance coach, he also pulls double duty as the film's narrator.
It was, as I say, perhaps a little too "TV Movie" in terms of scope, a little too formulaic and a little too episodic to warrant unfettered acclaim but it was definitely watchable stuff.