Everyone has a dream or goal in life that they feel may be next to impossible to accomplish, but if they work hard enough it will be a possibility. Legendary quarterback Kurt Warner is no different, and the movie “American Underdog” shows how Warner turned his crazy dream into a reality and shocked the world. 

Zachary Levi, the lead actor, portrays Warner perfectly. Levi learned all the mannerisms of Warner in order to capture the struggles Warner experienced. Generally in sports films, the acting is sloppy and over the top, but Levi grasps his role perfectly and makes the audience feel as if they were watching Warner grow as a quarterback all over again. 

Another aspect of the movie that is flawless is the actual football being played. It looks back on his entire career, even going the extra mile into practice capturing his development and showing why Warner was the underdog. Generally, sports movies’ representation of the actual game is horrendous, where they will just show the release of the ball, and just allow it to magically teleport into the receiver’s hands. But in “American Underdog,” the capture of the game is impeccable. 

The movie shows full plays and goes back and forth between the real-life film of Warner and the plays that are replicated by Levi. The only issue with the football aspect of the film is the actors who are trying to portray veteran superstars don’t look like the character they are supposed to be playing at all. Players such as Isaac Bruce, Marshall Faulk, and Ray Lewis are all introduced in his first game, but they look nothing like the real players. It would have been incredible if they were able to get a couple of cameos from the players themselves. 

One of the few parts of the movie I would change is showing the early stages of his life. The movie never tells his story from the beginning. His mother is introduced, but not his father, and if that were explained that would help develop his character better. I would also recommend adding him to play in middle school and high school as it would be better if the audience was able to see as he struggled through his younger years as well. 

Actor Anna Paquin plays Warner’s wife, Brenda, and watching her go through hardships and stand by Warner makes the movie feel real. After her performance, Paquin may see herself holding an Emmy for best-supporting actress.