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Everybody's All-American (1988)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 1/05, 1/09, 6/25

EvA
1/09: Everybody's All-American scores well for sentimentality but has weak parts here and there.

First of all, what exactly is the supposed message of the film? Don't be a football player? Find another occupation that's worthier? Do a better job of planning out the future? Luck or looks can only last so long?

Not only is Everybody's All-American a football picture, but it is also much more than that. To sustain his livelihood, Gavin Grey has to grind it out by playing pro football while his wife gives up her life of a beauty pageant winner by serving as the hostess and caretaker of their estate.

Dennis Quaid's performance is strong, and he has great football scenes. Then, the film is more haunting as time goes on with his character becoming older and retired until the bonfire celebration is shown which is twenty-five years prior. Again, I'm trying to understand the purpose of the film. What's the meaning of Cake's presence? Is he merely a witness, or is he there to prove that he's superior to his nephew for making the right decisions? I wonder if Cake would switch places with Gavin Grey in life because of his athletic accomplishments.

Anyway, I've never been a fan of college football because of the nauseous sight of rabid fans showing up for a meaningless game involving eighteen- to twenty-year-old boys. What's the significance of such bullshit? College football fans don't care about past history, no matter how long the program has been in existence, but are rather concerned whether or not their team is currently in the championship picture. Most football players don't belong in college while the silly institutions of "higher learning" have always been about money.

All in all, despite not being sympathetic to any of the characters, I've enjoyed watching Everybody's All-American.

6/25: One of my favorite movies to watch over and over is Everybody's All-American.

Sure, the story is weird, but there's a nostalgic component to it. No matter what, it will always be true: the fall of a sporting legend who once had it all at a young age, having happened to former Heisman winners such as Johnny Manziel, Rashaan Salaam, and, most of all, Billy Cannon who wore number 20 and played at LSU with the exact same hairstyle.

I've been ambivalent about whether or not Jessica Lange was rightfully cast. Without doubt, she looks too old but is correct for the role. On the other hand, I hate John Goodman's character, but his performance is spot-on. There are outstanding scenes such as Gavin Grey scoring touchdowns with the announcer going, "The Grey Ghost," the race between Gavin Grey and Narvel Blue, the wedding night, the fans' reaction to the LSU football team coming out as soon as the retired Gavin Grey walked forward with his arm up, and the ending.

All in all, I will always be a fan of Everybody's All-American.