And you, what would you do for your dream? In Him, Cameron Cade, a recent college graduate, has the chance to play in the UFF (the movie’s version of the NFL). When he’s given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train under his all-time favorite player, he takes it without hesitation. What follows is a brutal lesson in sacrifice, ambition, and the cost of chasing greatness.
This film had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, not just because of its suspense and violent, horror-driven moments, but also the sheer gore and tension that unfolds on screen. The desert setting makes the colors and atmosphere stand out in a striking way, and the director never strays from the story. This is the kind of movie you need to watch closely: miss a detail, and you’ll lose the thread.
I’ll be honest: I’m not the biggest football fan. But with this movie? You don’t need to be. While the sport is central, the teams are fictional, and the real focus is on what it takes to succeed and what’s lost along the way. Football fans will appreciate the realism, but anyone can connect with the deeper message, the way fame and fortune can strip people of their passion and identity. It’s heartbreaking, raw, and painfully relevant.
This is, hands down, one of the most original films I’ve seen in a long time. Beyond the surface, it dives into psychological truths about Hollywood, athletes, and ambition itself. From the crushing peer pressure to drug use, conspiracy-like blood transfusions, manipulative contracts, and the exploitation of young talent, the metaphors run deep. It’s a chilling mirror of the world we live in, questioning grief, glory, morality, and identity.
No critiques from me, originality like this is rare anymore and seeing something like this in theaters is the best move, especially in today’s pop-culture society. This movie dares to ask the question: What would you sacrifice for your dreams?
Rating: 5/5 stars
Rated R
Starring:
- Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade
- Marlon Fayans as Isaiah White
- Julia Fox as Elsie White
Now for your second option, The Senior. A biography of the eldest football player to date. Mike Flynt is a 59-year-old family man who was kicked out of college due to his anger issues, and his formative years on the field were cut short due to the constant fights and issues that were left unresolved. The main character’s main obstacle was dealing with his health and age.
Unlike the last film, this one had me on the verge of tears. This film really does tug on the heartstrings of those who come from a southern-based home, and the meaning of Christianity runs deep. Now you don’t have to be a follower of Christ, but prior knowledge of the sport will definitely make this movie hit a lot harder than the last one. The director of this film is a lot more known and recently directed a film called It Ends With Us, a tragic story about domestic violence. His name is Justin Baldoni, and man, does he know how to make you cry for all the right reasons.
And although I did enjoy the movie and some of the comedic relief by Corey Knight and Tyrell Hill, it was something that, because I didn’t have prior knowledge of the sport, I found myself drifting off. Sure, I may be a fan of Baldoni’s other works, but this one isn’t one I’d put on rewatch, unlike Jane the Virgin or It Ends With Us. There were some parts I did enjoy. The fact this was someone’s real life, I think that was the issue. It felt too real that you just had those moments where it felt more like a history documentary than something with an entertainment aspect.
This one isn’t as original because it is based off of someone’s real life, so it would be hard to be original when it wasn’t something that came off the dome. Due to my lack of knowledge in football, I’m going to have to give this a rating of a solid 2.75 stars. It had its moments, but if I want to fall asleep, I’ll put this movie on. It would have been a solid 3, but I found myself zoned out for half the movie.
Rating: 2.75/5
Rated PG
Starring
- Michael Chiklis as Mike Flynt
- Brandon Flynn as Micah Flynt
- Corey Knight as Jeremy Cartwright
Overall, both were solid movies. It ultimately just depends on if you want something a bit more family friendly or something more Terrifier-focused. Ultimately the decision is yours, so I’ll ask again, what would you do for dreams?
