This 1993 film by David Anspaugh (Hoosiers) is slowly building a reputation as a minor highlight of '90s movies. Based on a true story; Rudy stars Sean Astin as Rudy Ruettiger; a blue-collar kid whose father (Ned Beatty) worships Notre Dame football but who would never dare to dream that any of his sons could be a part of the team. The film is entirely about Ruettiger's ceaseless if sometimes wavering commitment toward that goal; despite tremendous obstacles in physical stature; education requirements; the dismissiveness of coaches; poverty; his father's envy; and endless delays of one kind or another. This is the sort of film that looks back on a life and says the battle was its own reward; not the glory. Astin is very moving as a boy who becomes a man and watches his world change; often in unexpected ways; through painful determination. Great support from Beatty; Lili Taylor as a hometown girl; and Robert Prosky and Charles S. Dutton as two valuable mentors. --Tom Keogh