American Underdog tells the inspiring true story of Kurt Warner, a man who went from stocking shelves at a grocery store to becoming a Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback. Starring Zachary Levi as Warner and Anna Paquin as his wife, Brenda, the film is directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, known for their faith-based films like I Can Only Imagine.
While at its core a sports drama, American Underdog is much more than a football movie. It is a story of perseverance, faith, and family. The film highlights the power of trusting God’s plan, even when the road seems impossible. However, as with any movie, there are strengths and weaknesses in the way the story is told. Below is a detailed review from a Christian perspective, breaking down the film’s faith elements, storytelling, and overall impact.
Faith, Perseverance, and Biblical Themes
One of the strongest aspects of American Underdog is its emphasis on faith in the midst of trials. Throughout the film, Kurt faces repeated setbacks—going undrafted out of college, struggling financially, and watching his dream of playing in the NFL seem more out of reach each year. Rather than portraying him as someone who instantly relies on God, the movie shows his journey of faith developing over time, largely influenced by Brenda, a devout Christian.
Brenda’s trust in God plays a crucial role in their relationship. She is a single mother raising two children, one of whom, Zack, is blind due to a traumatic brain injury. From the beginning, she is firm in her faith, yet the movie never makes her seem unrealistically perfect. She wrestles with doubts, but her reliance on prayer and God’s strength is a clear theme. Over time, Kurt begins to recognize that his dreams are in God’s hands, and by the end of the movie, he publicly gives glory to God after achieving his long-awaited success.
The biblical theme of waiting on God’s timing is central to Kurt’s story. The Bible repeatedly teaches that God works according to His own perfect schedule, not ours. American Underdog beautifully illustrates this truth, showing how Kurt had to wait years before finally stepping onto an NFL field. Much like Joseph in the Bible, who endured hardship before rising to power, Kurt’s journey is one of humility, perseverance, and trusting that God has a plan even when it doesn’t make sense.
Storytelling and Direction
The film follows a linear, easy-to-follow structure, beginning with Kurt’s college football days and ending with his NFL debut for the St. Louis Rams. The Erwin Brothers’ direction keeps the pacing brisk, and while it follows a familiar underdog sports formula, it never feels boring.
Rather than making this just a football film, the story is deeply personal. It spends significant time on Kurt and Brenda’s relationship, showing their struggles with finances, trust, and raising a family. This adds emotional weight to Kurt’s victories on the field. His love for Brenda’s children, especially Zack, is one of the most touching parts of the film.
However, some time jumps feel rushed. The movie skips over certain struggles in Kurt’s career, including his time playing in NFL Europe. Additionally, his faith journey isn’t explored as deeply as it could be—while we see Brenda’s strong faith, Kurt’s personal surrender to God’s plan is somewhat understated. His public declaration of faith at the end is powerful, but some viewers might wish the movie had spent more time exploring how he got to that point.
Despite these minor pacing issues, the emotional highs land well, and the film builds to an exciting climax when Kurt finally steps onto the NFL field.
Performances and Character Development
Zachary Levi delivers a charismatic performance as Kurt Warner, capturing both his humble nature and competitive spirit. While Levi is older than the real-life Warner was at the time, he embodies the role well, making Kurt a relatable and inspiring protagonist.
Anna Paquin portrays Brenda Warner with both strength and vulnerability. Her character is not just a “supportive wife” stereotype—she has a complex backstory, real struggles, and moments of deep faith. The chemistry between Levi and Paquin feels genuine, making their relationship one of the most compelling aspects of the film.
Dennis Quaid, though in a smaller role, brings gravitas as Coach Dick Vermeil, the man who ultimately gives Kurt his shot in the NFL. Other supporting characters, including Kurt’s teammates and coaches, provide depth, though some could have been developed further. For example, Kurt’s relationship with his mother and father is touched on but never fully explored.
One standout performance comes from Hayden Zaller, who plays Zack, Brenda’s blind son. His bond with Kurt is heartwarming and authentic, adding to the emotional depth of the story.
Cinematography and Production Quality
Visually, American Underdog captures the warm, inspirational tone expected in an underdog sports film. The cinematography makes good use of natural lighting, particularly in training montages that emphasize the passage of time.
The football sequences are well-executed, striking a balance between realism and cinematic excitement. The action shots place the audience on the field, making the final moments of the film especially thrilling. While the Super Bowl scenes could have been expanded, they effectively showcase Kurt’s long-awaited triumph.
The soundtrack features a mix of contemporary Christian music and country songs, complementing the film’s themes without feeling overbearing.
Strengths for Christian Audiences
For Christian viewers, American Underdog offers several compelling strengths:
✅Faith is central but not forced. The movie naturally incorporates faith into the story without making it feel preachy.
✅Family values are emphasized. The film highlights marriage, fatherhood, and sacrificial love in a meaningful way.
✅It is clean and uplifting. With a PG rating, there is no foul language, sexuality, or excessive violence, making it suitable for all ages.
✅The message of trusting God’s plan is powerful. The story reinforces the biblical truth that God’s timing is perfect, even when we don’t understand it.
Critiques and Shortcomings
While the film succeeds in many areas, there are a few minor weaknesses:
✘ Some time jumps feel rushed. Certain parts of Kurt’s journey—especially his time before joining the Rams—are glossed over.
✘ Kurt’s faith journey could have been explored more deeply. His trust in God is evident, but the movie doesn’t fully develop how he arrived at that faith.
✘ Some supporting characters lack depth. Kurt’s relationship with his mother and father could have added another emotional layer to the story.
These issues don’t take away from the film’s overall impact, but a more in-depth exploration of Kurt’s faith would have made it even stronger.
Final Verdict: An Inspiring Christian Film
American Underdog delivers a powerful, faith-filled sports drama that is both uplifting and entertaining. While it follows a familiar underdog formula, it stands out due to its heartfelt performances, strong family values, and emphasis on faith and perseverance.
For Christian audiences, the themes of trusting God’s timing, overcoming adversity, and honoring family make this a worthwhile and encouraging watch. The Erwin Brothers once again succeed in crafting a film that is accessible to both Christian and non-Christian viewers, making it a great movie to watch with family and friends.
✅ If you love inspirational sports movies like Remember the Titans or Rudy, this film will resonate with you.
✅ If you’re looking for a clean, faith-affirming movie with strong family values, American Underdog is a great choice.
While not without its flaws, American Underdog ultimately delivers an uplifting message that with faith, perseverance, and hard work, nothing is impossible.
