Mike Flynt was a 59-year-old grandfather when he made NCAA faculty soccer historical past and performed linebacker for Sul Ross State College throughout a Division III recreation. The Senior tells the outstanding true story of his journey overcoming important private failings and childhood trauma to grow to be a person of religious Christian religion. Flynt was formed by an abusive father who preached aggression as a way to battle decision. He solid Flynt right into a fighter unable to seek out frequent floor along with his personal pacifist son. The Senior reminds us that optimistic change is feasible at any age. It treads melodramatic, and at instances looks like an after-school particular, however warms the soul with an uplifting message that resonates.
Micah Flynt (Brandon Flynn), Mike’s son, narrates the movie. We first see Mike (Shawn Patrick Clifford) in 1971 delivering bone-crushing tackles in a detailed soccer recreation. His girlfriend Eileen (Taylor Fono) watches nervously as he jaws after which tussles with the opposing crew. Many years later in 2007, Mike (Michael Chiklis) is now a development foreman in Texas. He leaves a job and encounters an irate driver honking at his crew. Mike argues with the person earlier than dragging him out of his automobile and delivering a flurry of blows.
A Grandpa Rudy Story
- Launch Date
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September 19, 2025
- Writers
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Robert Eisele
- Producers
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Mark Ciardi, Justin Baldoni, Manu Gargi, Campbell G. McInnes
Eileen (Mary Stuart Masterson) is shocked to see the bruised Mike when he returns dwelling. Their three kids and grandson are all visiting. Mike trudges to the yard to hit a punching bag. We then flash again to scenes of Mike’s youth, the place his father (James Badge Dale) provides him a bloody nostril throughout a sparring session. He calls his son a “runt” and warns him that he’ll pummel him worse if the boy ever loses a combat or backed down from a bully.
Mike receives a letter a couple of class reunion for the 1971 Sul Ross Lobos. He ignores it, however Eileen forces him to go. We then study that Mike by no means graduated from faculty or accomplished his senior yr with the crew. He was expelled from faculty for preventing. Mike attends the reunion and is overcome with remorse for his previous actions. He initially laughs when an outdated good friend reminds him that he nonetheless has a yr of NCAA eligibility left.
Flynt as a Fighter
The thought of a person nearing retirement age attempting to make a university soccer crew sounds completely ludicrous. Mike encounters this fixed chorus from doubters at each stage of his comeback, and it fuels his indomitable drive to beat the percentages. Director Rod Lurie (The Contender, The Final Fort) does a banner job of framing Mike’s motivations and his astonishing bodily conditioning with out discounting his limitations. Mike was a boxer, lifted weights and labored in a career that required stamina. He wasn’t some random grandpa getting off the coach and hitting the gridiron. Scenes of Mike stunning his youthful teammates along with his athletic prowess present plausible exposition. He was an outdated man etched out of stone, however on no account invincible.
The Senior’s second act provides Mike a actuality verify and units the stage for the movie’s deeper character exploration. Mike makes the crew however pays a steep worth. There’s by no means a second the place Lurie portrays him as legitimately changing into a starter. Rob Corddry, who costars as Sul Ross soccer coach Sam Weston, manufacturers Mike as “Grandpa Rudy” and relegates him to the bench. Mike was a media sensation glorified throughout the nation on ESPN and information shops for his efforts, however that did not imply that Sam was placing him on the sector to really play. Mike needed to show his value and take care of main setbacks that brought about troubling friction along with his beloved household.
Masterson portrays Eileen as outwardly supportive, however rightly indignant that Mike made such a drastic determination with out consulting her. He is a husband and father above all. What if he broke his neck? The prospect for critical damage could be exponentially magnified for somebody his age. Mike’s return additionally deepens the rift between his son Micah, who grew up resenting his father’s combative character and incapacity to make peace. Why ought to he help his father’s ambitions to reclaim misplaced glory? That is the place the movie’s religious context takes maintain and supplies the idea for Mike to handle his demons.
A Supply of Inspiration
The Senior preaches the values of Christian religion, however not in an overbearing manner. Spiritual awakening gave Mike the internal power to match his brawn. The anger, bitterness and remorse he harbored was a burden Mike had carried since his father’s beatings. It manifested as rage each time Mike handled confrontation. Discovering peace by God helps Mike lastly admit his fears to Eileen and Micah, who then embrace his soccer dream to assist him attain closure. That is a phenomenal and optimistic message regardless of a considerably hokey supply. Lurie principally avoids saccharine sentimentality, however it does run thick in direction of the movie’s climax.
Chiklis is an absolute beast right here. His coaching scenes will make you need to hit the gymnasium after leaving the theater. The Senior’s finale will put a smile in your face. Flynt deserves admiration for his unbelievable comeback. Stick round through the credit for excellent basic footage and a present message from the solid and Flynt.
The Senior is a manufacturing of Wayfarer Studios. It will likely be launched theatrically on September nineteenth from Angel Studios.