Rating: 
Summary: Some Dreams Wont Die
Review: Every so often, a "sports" film comes along and transcends the genre, Rudy is such a movie. If the film were not based on a true story, you would swear that the movie was just another typical "Hollywood film", with a feel good ending. Given the state of the industry today, I doubt even the best writers in the business, could have dreamed this one up any better then real life did.For as long as he could remember, Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin), has always dreamed of playing football for Notre Dame. His family thinks they know better. His Dad (Ned Beatty) and his brothers don't think the he will ever do anything more with his life, then go to work at the local steel mill. Four years after graduating high school, finds Rudy doing just that, until he decides to seek admission to Notre Dame. Getting accepted is a tall order, but tougher still, is finding even greater respect on and off the field. Thanks to his sheer determination and mentors, Fortune (Charles S. Dutton) and Father Cavanaugh (Robert Prosky), he might just come out a winner Director David Anspaugh has a definate knack for this type of film. Having also done Hoosiers, another great (sports) film, he lets Rudy follow the same recipe. The setting and backdrop never over shadow the realism and drama. The film packs a quite a punch. There's drama, plenty of emotion, and even enough humor to go around. From Astin's fine perfomance,(I think his best to date) to composer Jerry Goldsmith's triumphant score and everything else in between--all of it works. And the best part is, there's not a single heavy handed or over the top moment in the whole film. Like Hoosiers before it, Rudy speaks to something that's hard to explain, unless you see it. Even if you are not into movies about sports as much as I am, you should like Rudy, it's about so much more than just football I would have given the DVD five stars, were it not for the skimpy amount of extras on the disc. The three exclusive featurettes would have worked better as one whole, I think, but do have some merit, just the same. Anytime that you can hear an isolated music track of Goldsmith's score for an Anspaugh film--that's a good thing. Bonus trailers and talent files top it all. But I wanted more--deleted scenes, commentary and the script would have made Rudy an even better DVD for those of us who are fans of the movie. My issues with the DVD extras aside...See this movie...
Rating: 
Summary: The only football movie for your collection
Review: "Rudy" is uplifting in its own sappy, goofy way, and it's impossible not to cheer. It's the true story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, an unremarkable student and football player from 1970s working-class Chicago with the very remarkable dream of playing football for the University of Notre Dame. He overcomes everything you can think of--poverty, doubtful parents, bad grades, friend's death, height deficiency, girlfriends, learning disability--to accomplish his goal, and believe it or not, the movie is every bit as inspiring as it claims to be. The ending is predictable (with the truth being stretched by more than those few seconds) but doesn't detract from his struggle to land in the House that Rock built. Its charm comes from a great ensemble cast that delivers solid performances throughout. Sean Astin does well as the pint-size player, allowing his character to be more than the typical wholesome underdog. Rudy's frustrations with his family, school, and football all resonate clearly on screen, in effect making his triumph all the more powerful. Ned Beatty as the father powers the familial tensions that drive Rudy to succeed while Jon Favreau's D-Bob, Rudy's loyal bud, lends a gentle touch of humor. His two mentors, played by Charles Dutton and Robert Prosky, add strong doses of determination and prayer, respectively. Director David Anspaugh wisely capitalizes on Notre Dame's beautiful campus by using the scenery to frame the luckless student's persistence and desire. A moving score by Jerry Goldsmith coupled with Notre Dame chants and fight songs balance the emotional visuals. There are many elements that will appeal to an audience of any age including relationships within the family, overcoming obstacles, self-motivation, etc. As an ND student, I admit my bias, but in fairness to the movie, "Rudy" will capture your heart; be assured, this film survives multiple viewings.
Rating:
Summary: So much more than your ordinary sports movie!
Review: From the time he was a young boy, everyone had told Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) that he was too small, too weak, and not smart enough to accomplish his ultimate goal - to play football for Notre Dame. Discouraged, he shelves his dream and follows his father and brothers to work in a steel mill. Only one person, Rudy's best friend Pete, actually has faith in him. When Pete is killed in a freak accident four years later, something in Rudy is reawakened, and he realizes that if he's ever going to be happy in life, he needs to play football. He needs to go to Notre Dame. But he doesn't have the grades to get in. We see Rudy do everything in his power, for several long semesters, to gain admission to the prestigious school. But getting into Notre Dame isn't his only problem. Once in, he has to get on the team - no mean feat for someone who, in the words of the maintenance man Fortune (Charles S. Dutton), is "five-foot nothin', a hundred and nothin'," and has "no speck of athletic ability." And even after he's on the team, there's no guarantee that he'll actually get to dress for a game. In the end, however, the results of Rudy's persistence and hard work are more than he could ever have imagined. "Rudy" is a touching true story of the power of hope and hard work. It is a football movie, but it is also so much more than that. Rudy's steadfastness is very moving to see, and Sean Astin captures the character beautifully. I think this is Astin's best performance, transcending even Samwise Gamgee in "The Lord of the Rings" (it's a close call though). The supporting cast members are just as perfectly fitted to their roles. Charles S. Dutton turns in a great performance as Fortune, ultimately Rudy's best mentor, and Robert Prosky plays Father Cavanaugh, the priest at Notre Dame who offers Rudy a chance to improve his grades at a nearby junior college, whereby he just might have a shot at admission. The soundtrack to the film is perfectly fitted. It puts the final cap on many an emotional scene. This Special Edition DVD offers an isolated music score, letting you listen to the music alone. The DVD has some other nice bonus features as well: "Rudy: The Real Story" is a short documentary on the real Rudy Ruettiger, with commentary from the man himself. It is touching to see Ruettiger talk about his experiences, and one can see that Sean Astin did a magnificent job conveying him to the screen. There is also a "Production" featurette, briefly outlining the making of the movie, and finally "60 Seconds With Sean Astin" features the actor giving us some quick commentary on the film. There are also Talent Files on the director and actors. "Rudy" is one of the most inspirational sports movies I've ever seen. The fact that it is a true story makes it all the more amazing. If you enjoy films like "Remember the Titans" (with Denzel Washington), you'll love "Rudy" (and if you like "Rudy" but haven't seen "Remember the Titans," I recommend that one as well). This is a wonderful movie for anyone, whether you're a football fan or not (I'm not). It is emotional and moving, but never goes over the top. I can't imagine it having been done any better. "Rudy" is a must-see, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Rating: 
Summary: A worthy film; DVD is skimpy on extras
Review: This 1993 gem is only the second film to be shot on the Notre Dame campus (following Knute Rockne: All-American in the 1930s) and it follows Rudy's struggle to overcome dozens of obstacles and realize his abbreviated dream of playing for the Fighting Irish football team.
The plot and dramatic music can get schmaltzy at times, but the campus shots are beautiful and captures a bit of the Notre Dame mystique visitors and alumns claim to feel when walking under the Golden Dome. Rudy is persistent in his struggle, and Sean Astin masterfully plays him so he remains sympathetic without becoming annoying. Look for appearances by former Notre Dame president Fr. Ted Hesburgh, a young Vince Vaughan and Lili Taylor and a great big Jon Favreau as Rudy's pal. The football game scenes during the film's climax capture a bit of the gameday atmosphere in South Bend; more importantly, they capture Rudy's focus and realization that he has reached his life's goal.
I was disappointed in the selection of extras included on the disc. I enjoyed the impressive mini documentary interview with the real Rudy Ruettiger (which debunked some of the critiques I heard comparing the film with the real story), but I was disappointed that scenes of the film's premiere in South Bend were left off (they were included on some "Special Editions" of the VHS tape).
Second, where was the trailer for the film? I can't believe that the disc's producers included irrelevant trailers for "Brian's Song" & "Jerry Maguire" (the only connection I can see here is that they also deal with football and redemption, but that's it) and left off the "Rudy" trailers.
Perhaps in 2003 the producers will release a 10-year anniversary edition of the DVD and correct some of these omissions and unnecessary additions.
Rating:
Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable crowd pleaser
Review: I have seen critics dismissed this movie as highly predictable and manipulative. And they are probably right. But it doesn't mean it can't be a highly enjoyable film. You can't help feel happy for the guy when predictably he achieves his dream. The film score by Jerry Goldsmith is simply outstanding too. And Sean Astin, as usual, is terrific as Rudy.
Rating:
Summary: "Rudy": One film that touches the heart (and soul)!
Review: "Rudy" - the 1993 blockbuster starring Sean Astin in the title role, is one motion picture that reminds us no goal or obstacle is too big or too small to be accomplished successfully, if one is willing to persevere through all hardships. "Rudy" gets this message across to the viewer quite well, and with no major stumbling blocks or any errors, for that matter. Determined to defy all those who doubt his dream of playing football at the University of Notre Dame, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger sets off for South Bend, Indiana with a duffle bag filled with hopes and a bus ticket. Once arriving at his intended destination, he is met by a caring Catholic priest (Robert Prosky), who sees Rudy's heart and desire, and is determined to help this young man accomplish his goal. A timeline is established, where Rudy must maintain a respectable grade point average at Holy Cross Junior College in a year's time. If grades are successfully met, he'll be one step closer to realizing his dream of both playing football for the Fighting Irish, thus gaining admission into Notre Dame. Adding a bit more meat and potatoes to "Rudy"'s storyline, are fine, upstanding, believable performances from Ned Beatty (as Rudy's father), Scott Benjaminson (as Rudy's doubting Thomas brother), Lili Taylor (as Rudy's girlfriend) and Jason Miller (as legendary ND coach Ara Parseghian). Charles S. Dutton's performance as the head stadium groundskeeper mustn't be overlooked, either. To sum everything up, "Rudy" is a film that's about more than just football. It's about conquering mountains, big and small, which isn't impossible, as long as one keeps their nose to the grindstone, or, in this case, to the gridiron. Having doubts about whether or not you can win life's battles? See this movie. Hearing nothing but negativity from those around you while en route to accomplishing your goal? See this movie. Do you dream of getting a college degree, and want to make it a reality? SEE THIS MOVIE!!! Oh, and see if you can spot the cameo appearance of Mr. Daniel Ruettiger himself (INTERESTING TIDBITS: The exterior shot of the Holy Cross College campus, is actually one of the colleges on the Notre Dame campus. The scene in the campus coffee shop where Rudy and D-Bob (Jon Favreau [another actor I (almost) overlooked!]) are talking/studying, is shot in ND's O'Shaughnessy Hall, and the interior Holy Cross classroom scenes were filmed at a nearby high school). With so much to offer, "Rudy" truly lives up to its moniker as the "Rocky Of The '90s"! See it, if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed!
Rating:
Summary: Heartfelt, well-done film.
Review: I received this DVD for Christmas, and although I had previously rented it, it's still a great movie to own. Sean Astin delievers an exceptional performance as Rudy, the "underdog" who aspires to play football for Notre Dame. Football and non-football fans alike will enjoy this true story through it's well-acted performaces. Astin (as Rudy) portrays this young man with true emotion, and allows to viewer to really tap into the character. He is one of my favorite actors, and is in my opinion far under-rated, though he has of course moved onto bigger and better projects (The Lord of the Rings, he also directs), this is still where he shines. Ned Beatty and Charles S. Dutton deliever fine performances as well. I would recommend this film to anyone looking for a happy-ever-after story. 'Rudy' has charm, heart, and of course...football. Rent it and give it a try if you've never seen it.
Rating:
Summary: 'RUDY" IS IRISH SENTIMENTALITY, BUT ENTERTAINING
Review: 'RUDY" IS IRISH SENTIMENTALITY, BUT ENTERTAINING "Rudy" (1993) is one of those stories that could only be told about an institution like Notre Dame University. If anybody tried to make a film about a scrub trying to make the varsity at UCLA or Nebraska, they would never get it off the ground. As it is, Rudy Ruettiger had his share of troubles pitching the true tale of his appearance in Notre Dame's final 1975 game to Hollywood. "I had an appointment with a producer," Ruettiger recalls, "but he didn't show up at the appointed time and place. I was in Santa Monica, and I knew he lived nearby, so I asked the postman if he knew this guy." Ruettiger looks enough like the Midwestern rube he has been portrayed as than the sort of city psychopath the mailman might have suspected him to be, because he sent him right to the guy's house. The producer tried to fend Rudy off by telling him he was not a Notre Dame fan, but it ended up at Orion Pictures anyway, and was released just as the 1993 college football season was getting underway. Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz actually was threatened with N.C.A.A. penalties because he showed a bootleg copy to his players prior to the opener, trying to inspire the boys a la Knute Rockne. The infraction was providing entertainment to his team not available to the rest of the student body (somebody ought to go on a secret mission to Shawnnee Mission, Kansas and do a demolition of this near-useless organization). Anyway, it worked that day and most days in '93, as the Irish came within one loss to Boston College of the National Championship, but that is a different Irish tale. Despite a pretty good reception, the movie did not save Orion from folding up its operation about a year later. Patty Duke's son, Sean Astin (remember him in "Like Father, Like Son" with Dudley Moore and Kirk Cameron?) stars as a blue-collar kid from a blue-collar family. He is a poor student, and a below-average high school football player despite his very best efforts. Upon graduation he goes to work in the steel mill just like everybody who ever lived in his home town, yet still clings to the fantasy of going to play ball in South Bend. Everybody scoffs at his craziness except his best buddy, who considers Rudy's goal quite within reach. When that buddy is killed in a mill accident, Rudy realizes it is now or never. Despite being closer to graduation than freshman age, he journeys to South Bend, is met by many obstacles and a kindly priest, enrolls in a junior college and makes good enough grades to get into N.D. Once there, he tries out for the football team, is kept around for four years as a "tackling dummy," but due to his popularity on the team and among the student body, new coach Dan Devine fulfills old coach Ara Parseghian's promise to let him play a few minutes. Rudy even makes a tackle during garbage time of a game against Michigan State. Director David Anspaugh ("Hoosiers") focuses on the character development of Angelo Pizzo's screenplay. The story is predictable (being true it was not easy to hide), but that matters less than Astin's inspired gullibility. Charles Dutton is terrific as the stadium groundskeeper, and Ned Beatty is great as his dad. Look, if you hate Notre Dame, this film will probably make you sick, but if you can at least tolerate the mythology for a couple hours, "Rudy" is one of the better sports movies of recent years.
Rating: 
Summary: Rudy was a professional pest.
Review: A gifted athelete that overcame the odds? No. A stellar career in college sports? No. An enormous desire to have a Notre Dame education? No. Rudy had an unhealthly obsession with ND football. He was not good enough to play for them. He merely wouldn't go away and so he pestered his way into a couple of plays (if that). Mind you he should be proud that he got an education at a fine university like ND but that isn't why he went there. If you want a good ND film try Knute Rockne All American. Do you want an inspirational sports story, try Brian's Song, The Pride of the Yankees or Hoosiers. These are the stories of athletes that gave it all for their team. Rudy had nothing to give so he asked the team to give it to him. Sorry, I tried to watch the movie without getting depressed but Rudy's just too pathetic.
Rating:
Summary: Who's the wild man now
Review: This is one of the best inspirational movies ever. I love true stories and this is one of my favorites.It's about a young man (Sean Astin) chasing down a dream of playing Notre Dame football, and nothing is going to get in his way,NOTHING. It shows you can overcome any obstacle if you put your mind to it , and rudy does just that.
This movie will put a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye, and touches the hearts and souls of everyone.You'll never get tired of this one. A must see.
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