True ‘Underdogs’ Story: Family-Friendly Film a Hit in Heartland

The sports drama Underdogs is living up to its title.

The indie film, shot in Ohio and released with little initial fanfare, scored well enough in three Ohio theaters over the summer that it earned a second launch. The film can be seen starting today in the following cities–Mesa, AZ, Miami, Ann Arbor, MI, Denver, Mentor, OH, Atlanta, Rosemont, IL, Orlando, Modesto, CA. and Corona, CA. The movie will also be available via Video on Demand services starting Nov. 5.

Inspired by a true story, Underdogs follows a football coach (D.B. Sweeney) who tries to turn around the fortunes of a sad sack high school squad. The film also star Natalie Imbruglia, William Mapother (Lost), Jay Thomas (Cheers), Maddie Hasson (God Bless America) and football legend Joe Namath.

Sweeney told Breitbart News why he thinks the film is connecting with audiences.

“Underdogs really lands with teenage kids especially. It’s a completely non-cynical movie. Hard work, personal responsibility: good messages that resonate with all audiences but especially younger people who haven’t been completely media soured yet.”