Rating: 
Summary: A Triumph of the Human Spirit
Review: Never mind the part of this story that is about football, because the premise of this movie is much more significant and intriguing than just football. This is a story about the little guy; the average Joe who has no special attributes or talents. But what this average Joe does have is an undying dream, and eventually, he develops the courage to follow them-and does it with all his heart and soul. It's based on a true story about Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger, the son of an oil refinery worker and third of fourteen children. An underdog with marginal talent and intellect, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. From the movie, it seems Rudy has little inspiration in his life as a boy, but the nostalgia, history, and tradition of Notre Dame Football seems to be a bright spot for him and his family; and he clings to that. Memorizing a famous speech by Knute Rockne (read it at: http://lamb.archives.nd.edu/rockne/speech2.html), Rudy recites it perfectly as if he were Knute himself, demonstrating his love for Irish football tradition. On one of his birthdays, Rudy's gets a vintage "Fighting Irish" letterman jacket from his best friend, and soon after, his best friend dies in an accident at the refinery. Already in his twenties, hitting rock-bottom, and feeling as though he has nothing to lose, Rudy decides to take a chance and pursue his life-long dream of playing football for The Irish. He pursues his dream not only for himself, but also for his best-friend, who knew how much Rudy loved the mystique of Notre Dame. He also wants his family, and especially his father, to be proud of him. He seems to want to vicariously fulfill what is really a dream that is shared by everyone he loves; but there's only one problem. Rudy does not have the grades to qualify for admission to Notre Dame. Thus, he begins his struggle at Holy Cross before gaining acceptance to Notre Dame. With the help of a socially inept new friend, Rudy manages to struggle through his courses at Holy Cross, gradually improving his grades. While at Holy Cross, Rudy applies for Notre Dame and is turned down several times. Feeling hopeless and doubtful, and just when all seems lost, he gets the latest reply from Notre Dame. He reluctantly opens it, fearing the worst, but Rudy is finally accepted. He applied to Notre Dame three times before he was accepted on his fourth attempt. After being admitted to Notre Dame, Rudy is out of money and relies on help from several people who are taken with his indomitable determination to never quit trying. When Rudy walks-on for tryouts, he is not given much of a chance by the coaches. Feeling thankful for the getting a chance, he promises football coach Ara Parseghian he'll make the team. After demonstrating a will and determination that is unmatched by anyone on the team, the coaches eventually give him a shot and he makes the team's scout squad. Rudy knows that if it weren't for his tenacity, he wouldn't have impressed the coaches enough to make the team. Along the way, Rudy earns the loyalty and respect of his teammates and coaches with his work ethic, and ends up raising the bar for the entire teams' level of play. There are many inspirational moments in this film and its climactic ending is no exception. He is the only player in the school's history to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders. There are so many amazing and inspiring moments in this film, but what has stayed with me the most is the lesson learned from watching the story. It's all about the triumph of the human spirit. It's a testament to never giving up on your dreams, giving it all that you have despite all the odds being stacked against you, and overcoming adversity in the pursuit of them. It reminds us about the importance of courage, faith, and perseverance and believing in yourself when no one else will. After Rudy Ruettiger accomplished his goal of playing for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, he realized a second goal: seeing his story on the big screen. For nine years Rudy's never-say-die philosophy was tested as he tackled Hollywood to make a movie about his life. At first it wasn't easy. "Hollywood is one crazy damned place," Ruettiger told the Boston Globe's Michael Blowen. "It was a mess... I just barged right into it, and trusted people in Hollywood. In 1993, his second impossible dream came true as Tri-Star Pictures released the blockbuster hit film, Rudy. This is one of the only movies that have ever made me weep every time I see it. It's one of the best I've ever seen.
Rating: 
Summary: DELUXE EDITION?
Review: I was waiting for a true deluxe edition that has a commentary of the making of the movie. Most of the time I won't buy a DVD unless it has a commentary on the movie. This is one of my all time favorite movie and what made me love Sean Astin as an actor. If you are looking for an inspirational, uplifting movie for you or someone else, this is it. I give the movie 5 stars but this DVD edition 4 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Makes a grown man cry!!!!
Review: Any movie that celebrates the triumph of a man against overwhleming odds, that displays courage, tenacity, disappointment, tragedy, love, and victory and that does all this delivery in simple human emotion is going to connect with every single viewer of the film. Rudy is one of those truly rare films that stay in your mind and heart. The DVD is my only edition of the film, and does have the interview of the guy the film is based on, and this simply blows me away in its delivery of a regular joe sharing himself. All I can say, despite its relatively simple DVD architecture, and few "extra", and since I cannot give the film 6 stars, buy this DVD for the movie....after all, thats what it is for.
Rating: 
Summary: schmaltz
Review: Don't we get enough "Fighting Irish" on NBC? Please. All I can say is that this poor kid gets abused for an entire season (forget about the self abuse he inflicts upon himself while growing up) just so he can play a few lously plays for Notre Dame.... Barfola. 18-12-1 Michigan record vs. ND. Last score 38-0. don't believe the hype
Rating:
Summary: Deluxe Denied
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 than 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. As much as I like the film, I have to say that, I am disappointed over "The Deluxe Edition" DVD release. After owning the Collector's Edition, I was looking forward to seeing all new bonus material. Instead, what you get is, a repackaged DVD of the previous edition. The three featurettes: "Rudy: The Real Story", "First Down with Sean Astin", and vintage "making of", are here. Talent files, theatrical trailers, and an isolated music track, highlighting composer Jerry Goldsmith rousing score, are back as well. I suppose the deluxe part is having a copy of the film's score on CD to go along with the film. I was hoping for a commentary track or a true retrospective. If you don't own the film already, the CD, is a treat. Other than that there's no difference between the 2 versions. That's a shame RUDY-The Movie deserves a true Deluxe Edition. If you have never seen the film--do yourself a favor and make sure you do...
Rating:
Summary: Perseverance Squared
Review: So what's a guy to do? He has no money, lousy high school grades, and zero size and athletic ability, yet his dream is to play football for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Again, what to do? Never give up on your dream. Director David Anspaugh's wonderful RUDY is one of the most inspiring films I've ever seen. Based on a true story, Rudy Ruettiger (played by Sean Astin, forever more known to me as Samwise Gamgee) is a blue collar kid with a stubborn streak as wide as the chip on his shoulder. Rudy's family and high school teachers scoff at his dream of going to Notre Dame, yet the young man perseveres. He enrolls at a junior college, applies again and again for admission to the university--applications that are subsequently denied--yet he perseveres. With no place to live he befriends the head of the maintenance crew at the stadium (played wonderfully by Charles Dutton) and ultimately sleeps in the maintenance office, yet he perseveres. And when he finally gets accepted to Notre Dame--when he walks on to the Fighting Irish's storied football program and gets the stuffing beat out him, day after day--he perseveres to the film's magical, magnificent ending, an ending that signifies his perseverance has paid off. This is a "feel good" movie that will make you stand up and cheer. With unwavering respect and detail to Notre Dame tradition, RUDY delivers an inspirational story guaranteed to put a lump in your throat. In fact, by the time the movie is over I'm crying more than the day I was born--and I'm looking for a pair of shoulder pads to put on and a tackling dummy to obliterate. Strong set 48 toss sweep: let's go!
--D. Mikels
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies ever
Review: This movie is not just for football fans...its a truly moving story of one mans determined goal to play football at Notre Dame.
This is one of the most moving stories I have ever seen....I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it. Sean Astin is excellent as Rudy....If you ever feel you can't reach your dreams, watch this movie. 5 stars!!
Rating:
Summary: Go For The Emotion
Review: There aren't that many films that can grab your attention, and hope for the best by the time it finally ends. This film (released in 1993) was one that i missed when first released. It is now 2003, and i finally had the privilege to view it. It's a true story of hardship, determination, luck, and hard work. I do not understand why the critics did not like the film. If critics did not spend so much time comparing it to other films and not by it's own merit, it would have received better reviews. Also, critics pounced on Goldsmith's score of the film. That was amusing, since it's only a film score, not intended to be a work of absolute brilliance. The score indeed enhanced the emotional aspect of the story. The film is a must-see, even if you do not care for football (myself included). The acting was what was needed for the film, nothing more. The film was not made to win all of the Academy Awards available, but proved that a true story could be told without getting too sentimental. I praise the film for being focused, and not having any sub-plots that would have marred the intent. It's a story for all ages. For those who need inspiration when they feel that they cannot achieve what they want. For those who have achieved by hard work, and have proved themselves. I cannot stress any further how good this film is, not because i have just previously viewed it, but that it should be seen by anyone who wants to view, a good film.
Rating:
Summary: Follow Your Dreams
Review: Based on a true story of one mans dream to one day play football for the University of Notre Dame,"Rudy" is a true inspirational masterpiece. Directed by David Anspaugh, the story begins with everyone telling "Rudy" he's not big enough or smart enough to go to college, he shows all antagonist's what perserverance can do. Born into a blue collar family, Rudy was expected to follow in his father and brothers footsteps at the local steelmill and did until a tragedy enticed him to follow his dreams. Facing incredible adversity, through sheer determination, Rudy shows his father played by Ned Beatty and all those who said he could'nt, he can. After finally gaining admission to Notre Dame, he gains the respect of all those who touched him. Set in the 70's with most of the filming on the campus of Notre Dame, this is a must see for all those who ever doubted themselves. One of my all time favorites that everyone should see. I still find it hard to believe this film was never nominated for any awards. A true masterpiece!! Released in 1994 by Tristar Pictures, Running Time: approximately 113 minutes
Rating:
Summary: A future American Classic
Review: This movie is... amazing. It's hard to explain in words. If you have not seen it yet, you should.. no, you MUST. Most people that have seen it watch it numerous times, so it is a very good buy for your DVD collection. This movie is inspiring, heartbreaking, motivating, and stunning, all in one box. About a young man from a poor home, Rudy shows us that we truly can reach our dreams, no matter how high above us they might seem. It shows us that getting our dream is up to us. It requires great effort and sacrafice and an unbreakable will. This movie will become an American classic and is certainly one of the best of the past 20 years. WATCH IT!
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