In 2007, Mike Flynt went out for the Sul Ross State University football team. What’s odd about this? Mike was 59 years old!
Mike had something to prove to himself. At the beginning of his senior year in the early 70s, this team captain was kicked off the team and out of school for fighting.
The Senior is based on the book that Mike Flynt wrote about this. Michael Chiklis plays the older Mike as he discovers he still has a year of football eligibility. At 59, he is still dealing with the issues his father left him with emotionally. He is too quick to use his fists to solve problems.
Watching the scene of Mike walking out on the football field for the first time since he left the university was intense. I talked to Michael Chiklis at a red carpet about this scene. (See the interview and others from the film on the Selig Film News YouTube channel.) The cameras were rolling as he walked onto the field for the first time in years. You can see the emotions play across his face.
The football action is believable. The story of Mike fighting for acceptance and to fit in with these young kids is well written, well directed, and well acted. Watching Mike Flynt doing what it takes to get his body and mind right for playing the game of football is a large part of the film. He must come to terms with who and what he is to survive this.
The Senior is an excellent film made here in North Central Texas, over in Haltom City, with the football scenes played at Birdville Stadium. In fact, per Mr. Chiklis during our interview, they shot the whole movie in this area. He was impressed with the diversity of locations here in North Texas.
And look for local actors and actresses playing parts in the film. There are several!
I will definitely be adding this film to my collection!
Director: Rod Lurie
Cast: Michael Chiklis, Mary Stuart Masterson, Rob Corddry, Brandon Flynn, Todd Terry, Terayle Hill, Brady Box, Aiden Call, Steve Mokate, Erica Muse, Gail Cronauer, Chris Setticase, Major Dodge, Robin Clayton, Vhelma Richardson, Malik Watson, Corey Knight
MPA Rating: PG (for thematic content, violence, language, and a suggestive reference)
Selig Rating: 5 Stars
Runtime: 99 Min.
Release Date: 09/19/2025
Language: English
Genre(s): Drama, Sport
Trailer: THE SENIOR Official 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.