Rustin (2001) User Reviews

Football Portrayals are Accurate in this Film, Despite What Some Say

[supergreek50 · 6/10 · 5 October 2007]

While I will say that some of the stereotypes are out of whack i.e no a/c in the church, I must argue with the comment "HORRIBLE" posted earlier in this thread regarding the worshipping of the football coach. Sir/Ma'am, you obviously do not live in the state of Alabama, particularly near the Birmingham/Hoover metro. If you did, you would definitely know that Rush Propst, Hoover High School's coach is almost equal to God in many people's eyes and he is often viewed as infallible to Hoover people. Therefore, in many controversial cases regarding HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL recruitment and the magical corrections of grades to make players eligible to play in games, he has miraculously come through without a scratch. Rustin VERY accurately describes the obsession/worship of football, both high school and college, in this state and the ability for anyone connected with certain football programs to get off of criminal charges. Overall I thought that this was a very enjoyable movie with a very good vision of football in Alabama, and that Michael Papajohn, Rick Johnson, Meatloaf, Zach, and others did a great job in accurately portraying Alabamians, albeit in a somewhat cynical view

Why meatloaf? WHY????

[cybercartman · 1/10 · 27 March 2002]

How could you have a part in this movie? I saw this movie because it was filmed in some of the places I grew up in. I can't believe the amount of stereotyping went into this movie, and what makes it more sickening is that some of the actors claim to be natives of the area. Not only did I find some of these stereotypes much too exagerated and just unbelievable, the story itself wasn't anything new and to be absolutely honest, pretty boring. All the classic movie cliches were there, the hardened cop, the cocky football player, the coach that doesn't care about anything but football, basically all the movie characters that could never exist in real life. Why good talent like Meatloaf Aday and the girl from Growing Pains would even be in this movie boggles my mind. The music in it was almost descent, but then it got to a song written for the movie that sounded like it was from an after school special, definately not feature film quality. This movie hasn't found its way to a distributor yet, and for all of you throughout the country I hope that it isn't picked up.

HORRIBLE!

[mrwarhol · 3/10 · 3 March 2002]

This was the worst movie I've seen in YEARS! The trite plot that is an obvious copy/combo of "Varsity Blues" and any given Lifetime movie made me get up and leave the theater an hour and fifteen minutes into the movie. That was the first time I've left a movie in seven years. This movie isn't even worthy of straight-to-video. I could understand a deal with UPN, PAX, ABCFamily, or the aformentioned Lifetime. As a southerner I would like to tell the Chicago native who starred in and directed this movie that not all small southern towns treat there high school football coaches like gods. I'm so sick of seeing northern filmmakers stereotype southerners as revoltingly racist, sports-obsessed, ignorant trogs. As I write this invective "Rustin" has not been given a nation wide release and I hope that it never does.

Rick Johnson is a major talent

[merry-7 · 10/10 · 4 September 2003]

Rustin the movie touched my heart in many different ways..Rick Johnson is charming as an actor ...he commands the screen with grace.I was most impressed with his direction of the film..Rick wields the camera like a maestro conducts an orchestra.In a day where most indie films are dark and edgy for no reason at all..taking hope away from people..I am thankful for Rick Johnson and the cast and crew of Rustin..for bringing real life issues with hope..Thank you Rick..Mary

Very touching film that was made in my hometown!

[darredding45 · 9/10 · 8 May 2006]

I just got the DVD and I was blown away by the cast of Rustin. I saw some familiar places in the movie (since it was filmed in my hometown) and I believe even though it was over 100 degrees during filming in the dead of summer, everyone seemed to have fun being a part of it. Our town of 20,000 appreciates the work Rick Johnson, Meat Loaf, Ashley Johnson, and my favorite two fat buddies Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey, (aka Rick and Bubba) put into the film. Thank you Rick Johnson for putting high school football into perspective without going overboard like "Varsity Blues" did. I wholeheartedly suggest going out and buying this film for yourself.

Terrific movie for all. Wonderful actors. I loved it!

[kneat · 10/10 · 16 June 2000]

Beautiful story, with a deep emotional impact. Sends a tremendous message of how our actions affect the lives of others. Although the actors are not all well-known, they all performed magnificently. The chemistry between Rick Johnson and Ashley Johnson was key to the outcome of the movie, and came through in every scene between them. They are spectacular together! The music was absolutely fabulous, and was very well synchronized to flow of the movie.

I would recommend this movie to everyone, and although there is a brief moment of female nudity (backside), young adults could also enjoy this film.

Not just another football movie

[lightkeeper-1 · 10/10 · 26 February 2005]

I rented this movie thinking it was about high school football plus the fact it was mostly (if not all) filmed in Alabama. I was pleasantly surprised - so much in fact, I will probably wind up buying my own copy on DVD. I don't know who Rick Johnson is (or was) and I presume that Ashley is his real-life daughter playing the part of "Lee". I didn't even recognize "Meatloaf" as the Coach until I saw the closing credits and the kid from TVs "Home Improvement", Zachery Ty Bryan, played a spoiled, rich football "star" player. Having lived in Birmingham, I kept looking for locales and familiar faces. Two radio personalities (Rick & Bubba) had small parts as bartenders and Michael Papajohn (makes me think of the pizza chain) played a redneck character named Trent that loved to drink and party with the students, most of whom didn't look old enough to drink. Still, the script is good even though probably unseen by many since it was independently produced.

Fantastic Film

[bodwod · 10/10 · 7 January 2003]

Rustin is a great film from beginning to end. What starts off as quite a light, easy watching film takes an unexpected dramatic turn and pulls it off beautifully. The screen play is entertaining and thought provoking and the direction solid but the performances make the film - particularly from the two leads, Rick Johnson and Ashley Johnson. Definitely worth a look.

Touching

[pilgrimfs · 10/10 · 4 September 2003]

Rustin is an incredibly touching film and a standout among indie films. Rick Johnson's direction is fluid and graceful as he tells the story of an athlete spinning out of control and the daughter he discovers. There is such compassion in the story -- not something you see a lot in indie films. I loved Ashley Johnson -- she's heartbreakingly real as the daughter and several of the supporting roles are sharply drawn. I look forward to more films by Rick Johnson.

Rick Johnson

[lawndog71 · 9/10 · 9 June 2005]

I really liked this movie, Rick Johnson is absolutely gorgeous..This is a great movie about a ex-football player and hero, but now the sheriff of this small town that the whole town takes advantage of, he finally wises up after some tragic events that happen. It was strange to see the oldest boy from Home Improvement play the character of a spoiled rich kid that thought he was above the law because of his football status. If you know who Meatloaf is the singer, you are gonna be surprised to see him as the coach, he looks nothing like I remember him, Meatloaf does very well in this movie too. This is a movie to add to your DVD collection. I have seen Rick Johnson only in a few movies, but I would love to know more about this actor, director. Where did he come from? why hasn't he got the attention he deserves.....