Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

SincereFinest disgusting, overrated, pointless

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

sherry-jorka Is your life really so bad? If you could change one decision you made 20 years ago that will affect the direction of the rest of your life but probably away from the people you now cherish, what would you do? This film has some similarities to four films I enjoyed: the James Stewart Christmas classic from 1946 "It's a Wonderful Life;" two films with Nicholas Gage: "When Peggy Sue Got Married" with Kathleen Turner, and "The Family Man" with Tea Leoni; and "13 going on 30" with Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. I'm sure there are other movies with similar themes about introspection to pivotal moments in one's life and the effects they have ultimately. But if you also enjoyed any 2 of those 4 films then you will enjoy this heart-warming flick about a high school football hero whose life seemed to change on a bad twist of fate. And despite his efforts to make the best of it, fate deals him another bad break before he reaches a point of one last pivotal decision. The story is the critical element here - not the acting, or subplots, or cinematography, or directing, etc. Just enjoy the story.

obgriffiths Scanned the cluttered movie store shelves for an hour before I found "Touchback". Both the cover and title were less than captivating but the IMDb reviews were good, so home it came.What a surprise! Time travel, decent football scenes, and enough romance to keep the wife well interested. The suspense and unpredictability of the ending iced the cake! If you are looking for a good movie for mixed company, to entertain a group of youth, or for a date night -- this is one to keep in mind.Despite being a box office flop, this movie has all elements of a great movie for its budget.

joubinm I accidentally ran across this film not knowing anything about it. The cast is exceptional. The writing is beautifully crafted. Though it is a film about a former high school football star, this is not a film about football. At its core, it is a wonderful love story about a man and the love of his life. There is some "time travel" in this film that is so effective. The editing is superb, especially towards the end of the film during some of the great intense football scenes. There is so much intense drama that has nothing to do with football. I was really blown away. It reminded me so much of some of my favorite films of all time: Its a Wonderful Life, Best of Times (which also had Kurt Russell), Mr. Destiny, and Back to the Future. A great film I would highly recommend to anyone.

guacamoledeath Replace Clarence the angel with football, and you have "Touchback." Except instead of all the good qualities that motivate George Bailey to time and again sacrifice his plans for fame and fortune, you're left with a has-been quarterback who blames everyone but himself for his series of misfortunes since his crippling last high school football game.Consider George Bailey of "It's a Wonderful Life." He can't wait to leave his hick hometown for a successful career in the city. Yet, at every opportunity, he instead selflessly chooses to sacrifice his plans in order to come to the aid of his neighbors and the town itself. Years go by. He never gets to leave Bedford Falls, and slowly grows bitter. When his life hits rock bottom, he opts for suicide. At the last instant, he gains new perspective and finally appreciates how his life turned out, despite his long-gone grandiose plans. As he makes this realization, the entire town turns out to help him in his time of need.Enter Scott Murphy of "Touchback." He can't wait to leave his hick hometown for a successful career as a quarterback. But when he sustains a crippling injury in a high school football game, it derails his far- fetched plans of one day playing for the NFL. Years go by. He never gets to leave Coldwater, and slowly grows bitter. When he finds himself at rock bottom, he opts for suicide. At the last instant, he gains new perspective and finally appreciates how his life turned out, despite his long-gone grandiose plans. As he makes this realization, the entire town turns out to help him in his time of need.The difference is, Scott Murphy's only great dilemma in life is whether to choose a successful football career or a successful marriage. Either decision enriches his personal life, so it's really not much of a sacrifice, and doesn't garner much sympathy from the audience. Sure, he could have more money as a professional football player, but when the alternative is sticking with the future mother of his children, it's really not much of a choice. Furthermore, neither decision is for the benefit of the town or its people. Whatever he chooses, it's motivated by selfishness. Scott Murphy is all about Scott Murphy.Whereas George Bailey's livelihood is repeatedly hindered by his self- sacrifice for the sake of his neighbors, Scott Murphy's own series of poor life choices keep him struggling to support his family. The only plan he ever had in life was to play football. The only act of kindness he ever visits upon his friends is dropping them off unceremoniously at their houses as a designated driver. So, between the two protagonists, George Bailey is hands down the more generous, morally upright individual. Scott Murphy is just a bitter, poor bean farmer who can't stop reliving his final high school game.