Sporty movies to catch

Even if the Olympic season is over, sporty films are still fun to watch. Here are some to help you relive that Olympic spirit.

Rocky. Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), the boxing sensation has unfailingly showed his power moves and courage on and off the ring. He started out as an amateur boxer then courageously fought several opponents and won, which made him a true boxing hero. Even up to his latest sequel, Rocky still decided to fight not minding his old age. Rocky will truly be an inspiration to any aspiring athlete.    

A League of their Own. The movie reveals that girls can also play the game. During World War II when men were out in the war, the AAPGL (All American Pro Girls League) was formed to play baseball instead. At first, it was thought that it may not be a success, but the girls proved it wrong. Not for long, their games become much awaited. Truly, there’s no sport a woman can’t do.

Mighty Ducks. In a team, not only the players get to learn the lessons, the coach does as well. Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) was tasked to coach a group of what’s considered the worst hockey team. After a few discouraging moments, Gordon finally clicked with his hockey team. Now, a real team work is seen. Together, they learn about playing, winning and enjoying the game.

Air Bud. Josh Framm (Kevin Zegers) is a shy boy in a new school. He befriends Buddy, a golden retriever with a rare talent for basketball. When Josh joins the school basketball team, Buddy was taken in as the team mascot. Buddy gained popularity with his stunts, while Josh enjoyed playing his game. Unfortunately, Josh and Buddy’s friendship is threatened when Buddy’s former owner wants to take Buddy and make money from the dog’s talent. Will the team be the same without Buddy?   

Rudy. The movie, a true story, shows just how motivation can make us reach our goals. Rudy (Sean Astin) dreams of joining the football team of the University of Notre Dame. But he seems to have a problem: Not enough money, low grades and not physically fit for football. All these didn’t affect Rudy’s motivation to enter the football team of Notre Dame. He finally became a player and did well. He became an inspiration to a lot of people, especially to those who feel like theirs is an impossible dream.    

The Water Boy. It’s an inspiring comedy film with a football ambiance. Bobby (Adam Sandler) is a water boy for the school’s football team. He is happy, contended and responsible in doing his job. He is often bullied. One time, while being bullied, he was stricken with anger so he attacked the player who was bullying him. It was at this moment when the coach decided to get Bobby as one of the players because of his tackling style. Bobby became a star player.

Miracle. It is a true story that happened in 1980, when hockey coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russel) dares lead a US team into competing with Soviet Union’s hockey giants Juggernaut. It may be discouraging at times when one realizes one must compete with a professional, but with full determination and preparation, a sudden turn of events can happen.

Bring it On. The movie is about the fun and struggles of cheerleading teams: The Toro vs. The Clovers. They will do everything to get the recognition. With the two teams having talented leaders (Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union), a challenging competition is about to happen.   

Space Jam. Who can ever forget seeing our Looney Tunes friends playing basketball alongside Michael Jordan? The film didn’t just attract kids but sports fans as well. When the Looney Tunes (Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Taz, Sylvester and more) challenged the Nerdlucks into a basketball game, Bugs Bunny quickly asked for Michael J’s help, while the Nerdlucks took the other NBA stars’ skills.  

Blades of Glory. Figure skaters Chazz (Will Ferrel) and Jimmy (Jon Heder) are opponents. One event leads them to be suspended from skating. But they can still join the competition if they are to be partners. Willing to do everything to win, Chazz and Jimmy agree to be partners, the first male-male figure skating duo. Now, they need to work together and skate their way to glory.