Fall has arrived, school is back in session, in Texas, we are hoping for a chill in the air, and Football season is starting. What better time to release one man’s redemption story on the gridiron?
Based on the true story of Mike Flynt, we follow the tale of a man whose college experience was marked by an event that changed the course of his life. Almost forty years later, he returns to a class reunion and comes up with an idea on how to make restitution.
Michael Chiklis plays the adult Mike Flynt, and Mary Stuart Masterson is adult Eileen Flynt, both providing believable performances. I got caught up in the story and at times forgot they were acting out someone else’s story. Other than the first time they were on screen, and I recognized who they were, did any prior roles cross my mind. It can be a challenge to play the role of another person, especially when that person is still alive. The cast of this project appears to have taken great care to be true to the real person they were representing. I also appreciate that some of the not-so-pretty moments in life were included in a way to support the why of certain behaviors, and never as an excuse for the behaviors.
College football is part of this story as well. The way practices and games were filmed struck a balance between making you feel like you were on the field and in the stands. Football fans will appreciate this perspective.
The film also touches on some personal Christian religious moments and the impact of faith on some of the characters’ lives. This provides a deeper insight into the people’s identities, without being “preachy” to the audience.
For fans of Football, Texas, and/or stories based on real people, this is a well-made option.
Director: Rod Lurie
Cast: Michael Chiklis, Mary Stuart Masterson, Rob Coddry
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for thematic content, violence, language, and a suggestive reference.
Selig Rating: 3.5 stars
Runtime: 1h 39m
Release Date: September 19, 2025
Genre(s): Drama, Sport
Movie Site: The Senior website
Trailer: The Senior trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.