The Senior 2025 Movie Review
There’s a reason why inspirational sports movies have stood the test of time. While a bit of a throwback sort of film these days, watching an unlikely athlete overcome the odds just is compelling when done well. In the sure hands of filmmaker Rod Lurie, The Senior is done very well. Even if there are some production elements that suggest a strong hand by Angel Studios in shaping things towards the faith based crowd, this is still very much something for the whole family that more or less anyone can enjoy.
The Senior is the sort of story you’ll be shocked hasn’t been made into a movie before. While Lurie takes you through the expected beats of this sort of a film, he does it so smoothly you won’t care one bit. The surefire direction, as well as the clear enjoyment seen in directing football sequences, certainly rubs off on the audience.
Mike Flynt (Michael Chiklis) was, back in 1970, the star linebacker at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, delivering crushing hits. He also had a temper that would lead to hits of a different kind, ultimately getting him expelled from the school. More than three decades later, in 1997, Flynt is a husband and father, working in construction. He’s still got a temper, very much taking after his father (James Badge Dale), with whom he had a complicated relationship. When a reunion with his former teammates has him reminiscing about the glory days, one of the guys suggests he could still play, given his iron build. Initially laughing it off, he’s soon telling his wife Eileen (Mary Stuart Masterson) that he needs to give it a shot. While puzzled at first, she’s on board and they’re headed to Alpine for tryouts.
The Sul Ross State University coach Sam Weston (Rob Corddry) is skeptical and thinks it’s a joke, but relents and lets Mike try out. Of course, the odds are stacked against him, though given the film you’re watching, that won’t matter much. However, you’ll see him have to win over the coaches, his teammates, and even overcome a serious neck injury. By all accounts, he should have no shot, but of course, that only makes Mike even more determined to ultimately make it into a game before the end of the season.
Michael Chiklis delivers an intense and very compelling performance. He’s able to showcase exactly how determined Mike Flynt was to do this, as well as never papers over his more flawed behavior. Quickly, Chiklis has you rooting for Flynt. In addition to a solid Rob Corddry and Mary Stuart Masterson are well suited for roles that could have been generic, had they not allowed their personalities to shine through. James Badge Dale, supporting players here include Brandon Flynn, Terayle Hill, Corey Knight, and more, though Chiklis is the central attraction.
Rod Lurie directs a screenplay from Robert Eisele, with the former relishing getting to film some football sequences. Lurie is a really underrated director who can do just about anything, so trying out family friendly material winds up suiting him better than expected. Eisele’s script follows the beats you’d expect, just done in an effective and even smooth manner. The main issue here is the occasional faith based moments, which seem very added on and even potentially done in post production, stand out like a sore thumb. They’re not egregious, to be sure, but they’re not needed for the story being told here.
The Senior is a pleasing an inspirational true life sports tale that represents a bit of throwback cinema. I enjoyed what I saw, which isn’t hard given how skilled Lurie is, though I do wish that Angel Studios wasn’t the outlet putting this flick out. Still, if you like football movies, you’re likely to enjoy what we have here.
