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The Program

Starring: James Caan
Director: David S. Ward
Genre: Drama
Year: 1993
Rating: 2 / 5

When Any Given Sunday was released in 1999, critics applauded its gritty portrayal of professional football. Reviews were mixed regarding the overall appeal of the movie, but the general consensus was that the film offered a truer picture of the profession than any before it. Six years prior, the same things were said about The Program, David Ward's look at the seedy underbelly of major college athletics. The film, set at fictional ESU, shows us a top conference school that has fallen on hard times. Jobs are on the line, alumni are getting nervous, and players are wondering about their pro dreams. Just another day in the life of The Program.

Coach Winters (James Caan) has had a very successful career with the Timberwolves of ESU, but his program has begun to fall back to the pack. Despite being blessed with Heisman trophy candidate Joe Kane (Craig Sheffer) at quarterback, Winters has notched back-to-back seasons without a bowl bid. For Winter and his staff, it is time to hit the recruiting trail again, with Darnell Jefferson (Omar Epps) the prime target. With the star running back in the fold, ESU could soon return to its place atop the college football rankings. Alas, ESU is not the only team in the running for the young athlete, and Winters must sell the young man - and his guardians - on the advantages of ESU.

Darnell Jefferson soon announces his intention to join the Timberwolves, and soon expectations are raised. Joe Kane's Heisman campaign is underway, offering extensive publicity to the school and a huge distraction for the object of its attention. As invariably happens in any athletic season, obstacles are thrown in the paths of our would-be winners. Academic difficulties arise for some of the players, and the issue of steroids is raised on and off the field. Positional battles escalate beyond the practice field, and an untimely injury throws the entire season in doubt. It is left to Coach Winters to lead his team past these hurdles and back to the postseason.

James Caan is sufficiently crusty for the role of a big-time college coach, but he never quite comes across as the tough guy one expects from the role. Craig Sheffer seems more of a pretty boy than a tough-as-nails quarterback, but then-unknown Omar Epps acquits himself well as the running back prodigy. Halle Berry and Kristy Swanson, playing the love interests of the two star football players, are more than eye candy, though they are hardly essential to the film. In the end, the audience will be entertained by the action on the field and the behind-the-scenes drama off of it. The Program is true to its word in this regard, and for this, it will always remain an entertaining diversion for any football fan.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for language.
Running Time: 112 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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