Movie Review: "We Are Marshall"

"We Are Marshall" isn't glamorized with Hollywood glitz, but a movie based on a real-life tragedy. In November 1970, Marshall University in West Virginia, suffered a terrible loss and so did the entire community.

More than 70 people lost their lives in a plane crash as Marshall University's football team members, faculty, coaches and some community members were headed back to Huntington, West Virginia.

Being from West Virginia myself, this movie was even more meaningful. I was somewhat surprised to see how little the movie dealt with the plane crash itself, but by the end of the movie, I could see the reasoning. "We Are Marshall" deals with the aftermath, the feelings of loss and how a community worked together and rose above this tragedy.

Nate Ruffin, played by Anthony Mackie, had to stay behind because of illness and bears the pain for friends who died in the crash. He wants to create another team to play in the 1971 season and rallies to do just that. He has no idea how to pull this off, but he is determined.

Red Dawson is played by Matthew Fox. He carries guilt because he also stayed behind as others lost their lives. He has a difficult time dealing with his guilt, but in time, he becomes part of building the team back.

Jack Lengyl, played by Matthew McConaughey, is hired to rebuild Marshall's football team. He's quirky. His attire is odd. He seems the least likely person for this position. Underneath that odd exterior, lies a lot of wisdom and perseverance, which helps to form a football team and more, again.

Annie Cantrell, played by Kate Mara loses her fiance in the crash. She bonds with her fiance's father and together, they find the strength to move on.

The journey past the plane crash to the uprising of the school, the new football team and the community is layered, but masterfully crafted. "We Are Marshall" depicts the human spirit in a way not many movies do.

The acting is stellar and the movie is more than about football. It's about life and about humans pulling together and rising from a tragedy. "We Are Marshall" receives a well-deserved two thumbs up from this viewer. The movie will touch your heart and linger well after the last credits.

"We Are Marshall" is rated PG for emotional thematic material, a crash scene, and mild language.