You never want to cry at a movie — especially if you’re a guy and you’re watching a movie about football. But it does happen.

Last Thursday I went to see a screening of “We are Marshall” — a new film based on a true story about the devastating 1970 plane crash that killed 75 members, coaches and supporters of Marshall University’s football team.

The film, due to hit theatres Dec. 22, focuses on how the school and community of Huntington, W. Va., responded to the tragedy.

When my wife told me we were going to watch the movie on our “date night,” I was excited. The movie offered a perfect combination: Matthew McConaughey for her and a movie about football for me.

Heck, it’s not every day that your wife tells you she wants to go see a movie about football.

My only worry: breaking down and allowing a tear or two to slip during the movie. When you’re dating, it’s a good move. It shows the woman you’re courting the softer, gentler side.

After five years of marriage, she already knows all your sides. You just don’t want to endure the torture and humiliation of her reminding all your friends: “Oh, that’s that movie that made you cry.”

Going into it, I already knew I was vulnerable. I’m not a big crier; I’m one of those who holds it all in and lets it out at once. But I’m a sucker for stories of selfless acts of kindness — and anything relating to sports.

I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s because I identify with those stories more. All I know is that every time ESPN runs one of those features about a team that defied the odds and won, or the player who overcame every obstacle, it touches me — and I cry.

It’s the equivalent of a romantic comedy or the Lifetime channel for my wife.

But when I cry watching those shows on ESPN, no one is around. A movie theatre full of people is a different thing.

I knew “We are Marshall” was a touching story; I had heard all about it. A football team that lost all but a few of its players and coaches in a tragic crash responded by playing an inspired season.

The film didn’t disappoint.

Aside from McConaughey — who was good as usual — Matthew Fox played an unforgettable role as Red Dawson, the assistant head coach who missed the tragic flight due to a last-minute recruiting trip. Most of his best scenes included his silent reactions to the tragedy that surrounded him. He had a high level of believability.

Other good performances: Anthony Mackie, who played Nate Ruffin, the player who fought to keep the program alive; David Strathairn, who played the school’s president; and Kate Mara, who played the fiancé of a player who was killed in the crash.

By the end of the movie, I noticed something: some of the cheers and claps I heard weren’t coming from the surround sound speakers. People in the audience were actually clapping and cheering on the team. I guess it was a subconscious reaction. Viewers actually felt they were part of the movie, part of the game, part of the community of Huntington.

Throughout the movie, I held the tears back. But I couldn’t make it past the last few scenes. Without giving it away, the film followed the moments of Marshall’s first home game after the crash. The game included a young team of Marshall’s players who were physically out-matched by visiting Xavier.

The best part: the scenes were based on actual events. It wasn’t some Hollywood fairy tale; it actually happened. It’s hard to beat reality.

During those scenes, I felt the first of several tears slip. I looked around and noticed that I wasn’t alone.

“We are Marshall” isn’t about football, it’s about life, character, team. It’s about overcoming adversity. It’s about picking yourself up off the ground and persevering. It’s about not feeling sorry for yourself. It’s about believing in yourself and those around you. It’s about doing what’s right, regardless of how hard that is to do.

It’s a must-see this Christmas.

Note to guys: you might want to carry a few tissues in your pocket.



Fredie Carmichael is editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com