Published: April 16, 2008 11:32 pm            

Mark Maynard: 'Marshall' rules in festival: 4/17/08

There’s nothing like a good sports movie to uplift your spirits.

I’ve got my favorites: “Hoosiers,” “Field of Dreams,” “Remember the Titans” and most (not all) of the “Rocky” movies spring immediately to mind.

I found it interesting, and even a little surprising, the other day when hearing about the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival’s competition for favorite football movie.

The surprising part was how well the “We are Marshall” movie was doing in the online voting competition, even advancing to the finals against “Rudy,” one of the all-time classics regardless of sport.

While “Marshall” was an outstanding flick, really quite enjoyable with the local ties and all, I wouldn’t call it the best football movie ever made. Actually, there are several on my list that would be ahead of it, including many that “Marshall” beat in this competition.

But, hey, give credit to the Marshall fan following that has now crossed national boundaries. The “Marshall” movie has been on some of the most-rented lists, sharing that tragic story from coast to coast.

“Marshall” knocked off some football heavyweights to get into the finals of the fan favorite list.

“Marshall” defeated “The Longest Yard” (62 percent to 38 percent), “Remember the Titans” (66 percent to 34 percent) and “Friday Night Lights” (90 percent to 8 percent).

“Marshall” was seeded No. 9 to start the tournament. “Titans” was the No. 1 seed, “Lights” was No. 4 and “Longest Yard” was No. 8. That amount of upsets would make “Marshall” the Davidson of this tournament.

At last count, “Marshall” was rolling over “Rudy” as well to the unlikely championship.

The winner of the contest will be shown at the Tribeca Drive-In screen in New York City on April 26.

For those who may not know, the “We are Marshall” film stars Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox. It tells the story of the rebirth of the Marshall University football program following the 1970 plane crash that killed most of the team, the coaches and several members of the Tri-State.

Vote for your favorite at www.tribecafilmfestival.org/year-round/sportsfest/15938242.html.

The film festival takes place April 23 through May 4.

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.

        

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