Netflix’s movies for April have an unusually large number of classic films, including Rudy, a 1993 sports drama starring Sean Astin in the title role.
The film is based upon the real experiences of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a man who pursued his dream of playing on Notre Dame’s football team despite the people in his life dismissing his goal as an impossibility.
Rudy does take a few creative liberties with the history of what actually happened, but Ruettiger really did step on the field as a member of the Notre Dame team. Getting there was the hard part.
This film is more than just a great sports fable, and that’s why Rudy is our pick for the one Netflix movie that you need to watch in April.
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Sean Astin Embodies the Ultimate Underdog
When Astin was cast as Rudy, it was eight years after his screen debut in The Goonies and eight years before he went on to co-star in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This movie caught Austin at the right moment in time, as his youthful appearance and his earnest persona perfectly captured the essence of an underdog.
The people in Rudy’s life love him and generally mean well, but they’re the ones constantly telling him not to have big dreams. That path leaves Rudy stuck for a few years in a dead-end factory job before he realizes that he has to follow his heart.
Astin’s performance constantly demonstrates that Rudy is the only one who believes in himself, and it’s almost impossible for the audience to resist rooting for him. His journey becomes theirs by proxy.
It’s an Inspiring Story
As a character, Rudy resonates because he isn’t academically or physically gifted. He’s not the smartest guy in his classes, nor does he have a body made for football. But what he does have is an abundance of willpower and heart, even before he starts chasing his dream.
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Getting on the football field is only part of that story. A significant portion of Rudy follows the title character through his attempt to prove himself academically at Holy Cross College and overcome a learning disability before earning his shot on the field. His perseverance both on and off the field is still inspiring over three decades later.
The Supporting Cast Elevates the Movie
Rudy is actually the first film for both Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn, although the former has a much bigger role as Rudy’s best friend, Dennis “D-Bob” McGowan. Favreau is particularly good considering his relative inexperience at the time. Screen legend Ned Beatty also has an affecting turn as Rudy’s father, Daniel Ruettiger. Daniel doesn’t always understand his son’s needs, but his love for his children is clear.
Charles S. Dutton gives the film added gravitas as Fortune, the groundskeeper of Notre Dame Stadium. His character echoes Rudy’s journey because he also had big dreams about being on Notre Dame’s football team. Fortune’s perspective allows Rudy to make a more informed decision about how to handle setbacks.
Jerry Goldsmith’s Score Is Terrific
Film music isn’t always recognized for what it brings to a movie, but a lot of Rudy’s appeal is tied to the rousing score provided by Jerry Goldsmith. As one of the top movie composers in Hollywood’s long history, Goldsmith was a master of using music to bring out the emotions of any scene as needed.
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Goldsmith’s score for Rudy was so memorable that its music was lifted for other movies’ trailers. The following track, “Take Us Out,” has also been used several times for political campaigns, sporting events and even special screenings at the annual PaleyFest in Los Angeles.
It’s One of the Best Sports Movies Ever Made
Director David Anspaugh and screenwriter Angelo Pizzo already had Hoosiers under their belt when they re-teamed for Rudy. Their previous collaboration was recognized as one of the all-time great sports movies upon its release in 1986, and Rudy earned the same recognition years later.
The reason Rudy holds up so well is that there is no unbelievable Hollywood twist at the end. Rudy doesn’t become a star football player, or even a regular member of the team. He simply gets a few moments to live out his dream and he makes the most of them.
As a film, Rudy took some liberties with history, but the real Rudy did exactly what his cinematic counterpart did at the end. It was the perfect conclusion for Rudy’s story and it cemented this movie in the hearts of sports fans.
Rudy is now streaming on Netflix.
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