Favorites: FOOTBALL MOVIES

As I, like millions of football fans around the world, finish their my preparations for this year's Super Bowl between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, I started to think about the best football movies that I've had the opportunity to watch. There have been a slew of them over the years, many of which have become ingrained into our collective public consciousness. While sports films have always been a little hit-and-miss, something about football-centric films finds a way to strike home with audiences more so than most other sports, save only boxing. So, in recognition of today being the biggest day in the football year, I thought I'd bring you my list of my favorite football movies. I've managed to list my top five, and I've thrown in a few videos that give a sense of each film's overall tone. I hope you enjoy this list, and I hope everyone has a safe and fun afternoon and evening watching the big game!

5. We Are Marshall
2006
Directed by: McG
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie, David Strathairn, Ian McShane, Kate Mara


*****

4. The Waterboy
1998
Directed by: Frank Coraci
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Fairuza Balk, Henry Winkler, Jerry Reed


*****

3. Friday Night Lights
2004
Directed by: Peter Berg
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw


*****

2. Rudy
1993
Directed by: David Anspaugh
Starring: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton, Robert Prosky, Jason Miller


*****

1. Remember the Titans
2000
Directed by: Boaz Yakin
Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst, Hayden Panettiere

Happy Birthday, Adam Sandler!

It's birthday time again, kids. Today, we're celebrating the 45th birthday of one of Hollywood's favorite funnymen, Adam Sandler. The first time I saw Sandler in a film was in 1998's The Waterboy, and since then, I can honestly say he's been one of my favorite comedic actors. Sure, he's been a bit hit-and-miss in the past few years, but comedy is a tough place to make a living. Sandler has managed to be successful in a couple of dramatic roles as well, proving that he might have a little bit of versatility under his belt. Still, Sandler has been, and will always be, best known for his comedic roles, and that's probably how it should stay. So, as I normally do with my birthday posts, I've listed my five favorite Sandler roles in tribute. Hope you enjoy them! You can next seen Sandler on the big screen in Jack and Jill, which is slated for a November 11, 2011 release in the U.S.

5. Henry Roth
50 First Dates (2003)


----------

4. Happy Gilmore
Happy Gilmore (1996)


----------

3. Pip
Airheads (1994)


----------

2. Robert 'Bobby' Boucher Jr.
The Waterboy (1998)


----------

1. Charlie Fineman
Reign Over Me (2007)


----------

Awards
1998: Nominee - Best Actor, Comedy
2004: Nominee - Best Couple; Best Original Song
2007: Nominee - Best Actor, Drama