The Fumbleheads

Watch The Fumbleheads

  • PG-13
  • 1999
  • 1 hr 29 min

The Fumbleheads is a sports comedy movie that revolves around a high school football team, the Ocean View Dolphins. The team is known for their lack of skill and inability to win any games, causing them to be dubbed as the worst in the league. The movie stars Edward Asner as Coach Ollie, Gregory Sporleder as the team's quarterback, and Austin Pendleton as Mr. Harris, the school principal.

The movie opens with a flashback to when the team was considered to be promising. The coach at the time, Coach Michaelson, was a brilliant strategist who led the team to numerous victories. However, Coach Michaelson suddenly passed away, leaving behind a devastated team and an impossible vacancy to fill. This scene sets the tone for the movie as it highlights the team's past glories juxtaposed with their present situation.

Fast forward to present day, and the team is still underperforming. Coach Ollie, a retired football coach, is hired by the school principal to transform the team's fortunes. However, Coach Ollie is known to be abrasive, and his coaching techniques are unconventional, causing the team to be initially apprehensive.

The most significant challenge the team faces is that they lack talent. Over time, Coach Ollie discovers that the best way to motivate his team is by appealing to their unique personalities. For example, the team's quarterback, played by Gregory Sporleder, is extremely insecure about his standing in the team. Coach Ollie recognizes this and encourages him to be bold and believe in himself.

There are several subplots in the movie that add to its comedic value. For example, Mr. Harris, the principal, has an ongoing battle with the school's janitor, who he believes is stealing supplies. His obsession with catching the thief leads to several hilarious moments throughout the movie.

Another subplot involves the Dolphins' cheerleading squad, who are also struggling to find success. Their coach, played by a sassy Mo Gaffney, is in a constant power struggle with Coach Ollie. Their scenes together are funny and often provide a welcome distraction from the main story.

As the team progresses through the season, they begin to win more games. The victories, while not always pretty, provide a much-needed morale boost for the team. However, as with any underdog story, there are setbacks. The team faces adversity, both on and off the field, which threatens to derail their newfound success.

As the movie approaches its climax, the team faces their biggest challenge yet. They are set to play against a rival school, who they have never beaten before. The game is the most important of the season, and everyone is counting on them to win. The buildup to the game is intense, and it all culminates in an electrifying final act that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, The Fumbleheads is an entertaining sports comedy that will appeal to moviegoers who enjoy underdog stories. The movie is well cast, and the humor is smart and witty. The football scenes are convincing, and the movie does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of high school football. While it is not a groundbreaking movie, it is one that is enjoyable and will leave viewers with a smile on their faces.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1999
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • Language
    English