STORYLINE: A young athlete descends into a world of terror when he’s invited to train with a legendary champion whose charisma curdles into something darker. (IMDb)

    Over the years football films have tackled issues, in addition to to tackles on the playing field.  Remember the Titans (2000) took on the issue of racism while We Are Marshall (2006) was about overcoming tragedy. Through the lens of a rom com Silver Linings Playbook (2012) focused on mental illness.  Him (2025) is a horror film about the obsession to be the best.

    When viewing the trailer for Him, I wasn’t quite sure what to think. It appeared to be all over the place.  In the end, I was drawn to it because Jordan Peele produced the film.  Though he didn’t direct this one, I have enjoyed the horror films he has directed, Us (2019) especially, and wanted to see this one because Jordan Peele was still involved.

   As much as I wanted to, I could not get into the film.  The story was disjointed with a visual style that tried to blend gritty and flashy.  This merger, combined with jumpy film editing, gave the film a look that almost gave me a headache.

   It did something different then the feel good, inspirational football films, like Invincible (2006) or Draft Day (2014).  Thay was a nice change of pace. Him just fell short of the mark.

   Until next time I will see you at the movies!