‘The Senior’ Uplifts with a Positive Message of Faith & Football

Mike Flynt was a 59-year-old grandfather when he made NCAA college football history and played linebacker for Sul Ross State University during a Division III game. The Senior tells the remarkable true story of his journey overcoming significant personal failings and childhood trauma to become a man of devout Christian faith. Flynt was shaped by an abusive father who preached aggression as a means to conflict resolution. He forged Flynt into a fighter unable to find common ground with his own pacifist son. The Senior reminds us that positive change is possible at any age. It treads melodramatic, and at times feels like an after-school special, but warms the soul with an uplifting message that resonates.

Micah Flynt (Brandon Flynn), Mike’s son, narrates the film. We first see Mike (Shawn Patrick Clifford) in 1971 delivering bone-crushing tackles in a close football game. His girlfriend Eileen (Taylor Fono) watches nervously as he jaws and then tussles with the opposing team. Decades later in 2007, Mike (Michael Chiklis) is now a construction foreman in Texas. He leaves a job and encounters an irate driver honking at his crew. Mike argues with the man before dragging him out of his car and delivering a flurry of blows.

A Grandpa Rudy Story

Eileen (Mary Stuart Masterson) is shocked to see the bruised Mike when he returns home. Their three children and grandson are all visiting. Mike trudges to the backyard to hit a punching bag. We then flash back to scenes of Mike’s youth, where his father (James Badge Dale) gives him a bloody nose during a sparring session. He calls his son a “runt” and warns him that he’ll pummel him worse if the boy ever loses a fight or backed down from a bully.

Mike receives a letter about a class reunion for the 1971 Sul Ross Lobos. He ignores it, but Eileen forces him to go. We then learn that Mike never graduated from college or completed his senior year with the team. He was expelled from school for fighting. Mike attends the reunion and is overcome with regret for his past actions. He initially laughs when an old friend reminds him that he still has a year of NCAA eligibility left.

Flynt as a Fighter

Angel Studios

The idea of a man nearing retirement age trying to make a college football team sounds absolutely ludicrous. Mike encounters this constant refrain from doubters at every stage of his comeback, and it fuels his indomitable drive to beat the odds. Director Rod Lurie (The Contender, The Last Castle) does a banner job of framing Mike’s motivations and his astonishing physical conditioning without discounting his limitations. Mike was a boxer, lifted weights and worked in a profession that required stamina. He wasn’t some random grandpa getting off the coach and hitting the gridiron. Scenes of Mike surprising his younger teammates with his athletic prowess provide believable exposition. He was an old guy etched out of stone, but by no means invincible.

The Senior’s second act gives Mike a reality check and sets the stage for the film’s deeper character exploration. Mike makes the team but pays a steep price. There’s never a second where Lurie portrays him as legitimately becoming a starter. Rob Corddry, who costars as Sul Ross football coach Sam Weston, brands Mike as “Grandpa Rudy” and relegates him to the bench. Mike was a media sensation glorified across the country on ESPN and news outlets for his efforts, but that didn’t mean that Sam was putting him on the field to actually play. Mike had to prove his worth and deal with major setbacks that caused troubling friction with his beloved family.

Masterson portrays Eileen as outwardly supportive, but rightly indignant that Mike made such a drastic decision without consulting her. He’s a husband and father above all. What if he broke his neck? The chance for serious injury would be exponentially magnified for someone his age. Mike’s return also deepens the rift between his son Micah, who grew up resenting his father’s combative personality and inability to make peace. Why should he support his father’s ambitions to reclaim lost glory? This is where the film’s spiritual context takes hold and provides the basis for Mike to address his demons.

A Source of Inspiration

Angel Studios

The Senior preaches the values of Christian faith, but not in an overbearing way. Religious awakening gave Mike the inner strength to match his brawn. The anger, bitterness and regret he harbored was a burden Mike had carried since his father’s beatings. It manifested as rage every time Mike dealt with confrontation. Finding peace through God helps Mike finally admit his fears to Eileen and Micah, who then embrace his football dream to help him reach closure. That’s a beautiful and positive message despite a somewhat hokey delivery. Lurie mostly avoids saccharine sentimentality, but it does run thick towards the film’s climax.

Chiklis is an absolute beast here. His training scenes will make you want to hit the gym after leaving the theater. The Senior’s finale will put a smile on your face. Flynt deserves admiration for his incredible comeback. Stick around during the credits for great classic footage and a current message from the cast and Flynt.

The Senior is a production of Wayfarer Studios. It will be released theatrically on September 19th from Angel Studios.