12 Mighty Orphans

Name: 12 Mighty Orphans
Genre: History, Sport
Released: June 11, 2021
Duration: 118 min
Rating: 44
Cast: Carlson Young, Jacob Lofland, Jake Austin Walker, Kelly Frye, King Orba

2021

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Mixed or average reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Ratings

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6.6

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6.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Ratings

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12 Mighty Orphans: I Recommended You

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Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: June 11, 2021 | PG-13

Starring: Carlson Young, Jacob Lofland, Jake Austin Walker, Kelly Frye, King Orba, Lane Garrison, Levi Dylan, Lucy Faust, Luke Wilson, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Rooster McConaughey, Scott Haze, Treat Williams, Vinessa Shaw, Wayne Knight, Zach Rose

Summary: 12 Mighty Orphans tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes—or even a football—to playing for the Texas state championships. Over the course of their winning season these underdogs and their resilient spirit became an inspiration12 Mighty Orphans tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes—or even a football—to playing for the Texas state championships. Over the course of their winning season these underdogs and their resilient spirit became an inspiration to their city, state, and an entire nation in need of a rebound, even catching the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The architect of their success was Rusty Russell, a legendary high school coach who shocked his colleagues by giving up a privileged position so he could teach and coach at an orphanage. Few knew Rusty's secret: that he himself was an orphan. Recognizing that his scrawny players couldn't beat the other teams with brawn, Rusty developed innovative strategies that would come to define modern football.
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Director: Ty Roberts

Genre(s): History, Sport

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 118 min

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Critic Reviews

Peter Debruge

Jun 16, 2021

It’s all engineered to pay off in familiar ways, though the movie isn’t quite as predictable as you might think. Read full review

The Film Stage Jared Mobarak

Jun 15, 2021

The delineation between good and evil maybe a bit too black-and-white throughout, but none of those aspects remove the potency of the lessons learned along the way. Read full review

Brad Wheeler

Aug 5, 2021

With its old-fashioned look, quaint unsophistication and self-consciously big heart, this film is Hoosiers meets The Longest Yard, with an Oliver Twist. Read full review

Cary Darling

Jun 10, 2021

The results may be sports-movie predictable in many ways, but the Mighty Mites’ impossible story is one deserving of resurrection from the dusty archives of Texas history. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Carlos Aguilar

Jun 11, 2021

Wholesome in the most “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” brand of mythical Americanism, 12 Mighty Orphans is engineered to rouse emotions with uncritical pride, never reaching the less immaculate corners of the historical period it employs as canvas. Read full review

Tim Grierson

Jun 10, 2021

Luke Wilson and Martin Sheen are respectably earnest as the caretakers of these blandly noble underdogs, but this sepia-tinged portrait slavishly follows the playbook at every turn — which is ironic since it’s a film meant to honour a coach who won by being inventive. Read full review

Jenny Nulf

Jun 10, 2021

There is no denying that being parentless during the Great Depression called for a lot of resilience, but 12 Mighty Orphans’ underdog story unfortunately plays out to farce levels of entertainment. Read full review

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User Reviews

AnnieMSees

Jun 19, 2021

Inspirational on all levels for overcoming life circumstances and trauma involving war, loss of parent/s, death of dreams, abuse mental and physical, violence, poverty, lack of opportunity, substance abuse. The creation of community and the importance of education and character and winningInspirational on all levels for overcoming life circumstances and trauma involving war, loss of parent/s, death of dreams, abuse mental and physical, violence, poverty, lack of opportunity, substance abuse. The creation of community and the importance of education and character and winning through values and perseverance in the 1930s true story setting — I am going for a 3rd time and I am not one to watch movies repeatedly.… Expand

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bbrowder

Jun 21, 2021

Great feel good movie! Coach Rusty Russell and his wife Juanita were an inspirational Christian couple that changed literally thousands of children's lives during their time on Earth!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Tamtam58

Jul 27, 2021

I’m not much of a movie goer but was enticed by family to entertain the thought. Best movie I’ve seen in years! It made me laugh, cry and feel all sorts of emotions that movies used to make u feel ! I’m saying the cast was awesome, the storyline superb, and the production and directionI’m not much of a movie goer but was enticed by family to entertain the thought. Best movie I’ve seen in years! It made me laugh, cry and feel all sorts of emotions that movies used to make u feel ! I’m saying the cast was awesome, the storyline superb, and the production and direction made the “feelings” come alive! I loved it! Kudos to u ALL! I do hope it goes far !… Expand