Touchback

I wasn't at all turned on by the trailer, but went with my wife to a screening here near Cleveland because it was free and I will see anything football. My wife was less enthusiastic about seeing it, but came because she wants me to see Lucky One with her next week and that was part of the deal. By the end of the movie, she was bawling. She loved it. Honestly, this movie was more for her than me, but it made us both think about life and we had a pretty amazing conversation on the way home.

All in all, I am giving it a nine because she thought it was a ten and I thought it was around an eight. It's a great date movie, if you go, take your wife or girlfriend.

A cheesy and predictable but heartwarming theme that you've seen before in similar films. The hero high school athlete goes "back" to high school to realize that his marriage and "present-day" life isn't as bad as he thought it was.

Not a lot of people have seen this wonderful movie yet, which is why I feel like it is my obligation to tell those of you who have not, that you definitely should.

Growing up in Sweden I guess there are people that know a lot more about the culture surrounding high school football in America and although I am a big football fan, the same is probably true for the sport itself as well. That said I think my point of view from the outside just goes to show that you do not have to be an American growing up in a football family to love this movie because it is about so much more than football.

My friends tell me I rely too much on IMDb ratings to determine whether a movie is worth watching. Normally I don't bother with anything under a 6.5-ish rating but in a weak moment I decided to watch this anyway (which at the time of writing this review was rated 5.7). I'm usually in agreement with the other voters; but the masses are way off on this one. Touchback is a great movie addressing themes that Hollywood doesn't advocate very often: Seeing purpose in your life, satisfaction with what you have, leaving regrets in the past, second chances, personal reflection, and a reminder that no matter how bleak things appear in a given moment, there are family, friends, and community who care about you.

Yes, there are some cheesy spots, and a few instances of questionable acting, not to mention the high school students/athletes look over 30! But if you can get past the minor flaws, and look to the powerful themes in this movie you will not be disappointed.

Touchback isn't epic (nor does it try to be), but it's certainly not a 5.7! I'd give it a solid 7.5/10. Touchback left me wondering how many other underrated movies I've missed!

Scanned the cluttered movie store shelves for an hour before I found "Touchback". Both the cover and title were less than captivating but the IMDb reviews were good, so home it came.

What a surprise! Time travel, decent football scenes, and enough romance to keep the wife well interested. The suspense and unpredictability of the ending iced the cake! If you are looking for a good movie for mixed company, to entertain a group of youth, or for a date night -- this is one to keep in mind.

Despite being a box office flop, this movie has all elements of a great movie for its budget.