Undefeated (2011) - 10 stars out of 10

Undefeated (2011) - 10 stars out of 10

"Undefeated" is the story of a group of high school football players whose means and situation should have led to failure.   This Oscar-winning documentary chronicles the on- and off-the-field experiences of the Manassas Tigers, a Tennessee football team striving to win their first playoff game in the school's 110-year history.  Coach Bill Courtney takes this rough crew and teaches them to succeed through hard work, respect, and self-discipline.  It has the makings of an inspirational summertime sports film but this true story inspires without a script or paid actors.  The film is so poignant because these are real people.  I will be a huge O.C. Brown fan if he makes it into an NFL jersey someday!  I compare this film to a documentary like "Hoop Dreams" and I actually prefer this one.  Rather than focusing on a few individual players, the film is driven by an entire team that must work together to succeed.  The film never feels long-winded and the progress of the featured players creates an emotional attachment and sense of pride as these boys grow into men.  You  will cry.  Maybe even twice.  You just can't script things like this.  "Undefeated" is a real-life "Gridiron Gang" and proves that you don't have to score a game-winning touchdown to succeed.