Hoosiers (1986) - 🤯📼First Time Film Club📼🤯 - First Time Watching/Movie Reaction & Review 

I show this to my students every year along with "Rudy". Jerry Goldsmith wrote 2 of the most inspirational soundtracks ever for these two sports films, and I really think it enhances everything else that's great about them.

This is one of the greatest sports drama films ever made.

This movie is loosely based on the 1954 Milan (pronounced locally as MY-len) Indiana basketball team, who won the state championship. I grew up one town over from there. They are very proud of this legacy and still display it on local signage and an old water tower. There’s also a local museum about the team.

Rudy is a great sports movie, needs to be on your list. I also loved Breaking Away, about high school boys from a small town bike racing.

Growing up in North Carolina we ate, slept and breathed basketball (in particular ACC college basketball). It was so ingrained into the culture that we all had our favorite teams by the time we were 10 years old. That was the year I watched UNC win their first National Title with Michael Jordan sinking the winning shot. It didn't hurt that one of the school systems I went to produced Dominique and Gerald Wilkins as well (I still remember seeing the nets and game balls they signed from the two state championships our school won while they were attending). I was 14 when Hoosiers came out and the area I had grown up in to that point wasn't much larger than Hickory. So this was a movie I related to on multiple levels. And to me it is still the finest sports movie ever made.

If you ever played basketball on an organized team....the slow mo extended plays and shots are like watching a ballet...it shows how much effort players exert and pushing through pain. It's a beautiful thing when a play is done right and any ball player loves watching that ball go in. I'm surprised to here her dog on that a bit. I watched that movie a thousand times with all kinds of friends and just never heard that....but that's all good.

This is one of the few films that when I catch it playing, I'm inclined to watch it even though I've seen it several times over the years. It's a great movie.

I'm from a small town in Indiana, I played basketball and met Ray after the making of this movie. We Hoosiers love basketball and the history of this real historic game.🏀❤️🏀❤️

When I first saw this movie in the UK when I was a kid I learned 3 things. 1. I really wanted a basketball hoop 2. I will watch anything starring Gene Hackman 3. Basketball in Indiana small towns is almost more important than religion

You really have to stop calling Pippin YOUR CAT and acknowledge that you are his HOOMANS..

Fun fact, in the locker room before the final, game the names on the blackboard are the names of the actors playing the Hickory Huskers.

Congragulations I believe you are the ONLY youtube channel that has reacted Hoosiers!!! Great reaction video too. Cheers

Hackman being difficult seems to be a regular thing. Francis Ford Coppola, William Friedkin, and Wes Anderson have all told stories about being miserable working with him, and those are just the ones I know of. It seems to just be directors he has tense relationships with, not other actors or anything, so it might be an authority thing.

RIP Dennis Hopper, really loved him in this movie and of course Easy Rider

Gene Hackman was a US Marine and didn't start acting until his 30s , I can imagine that having tension on set , would just feel normal to him .

When you said "now he's listening to them" was right on. I was in a management class, where they showed this movie to illustrate good management practices--at first the manager needs to micro-manage. Later he can let them be more on their own. But sometimes they face unexpected challenges, so he needs to help gound them (the measuring the court seen), but eventually they know the job, and can be trusted to make the right decisions.

I remember when this movie was being filmed. I was in 6th grade…Wanted to go to the filming but my mom wouldn’t take me. Don’t get a Hoosier started on class basketball…

Being from Indiana this and Rudy are for sure our best sports movie's. I cracked when ya'll brought up Bobby Knight who was a famous coach for the Indiana Hoosiers college basketball team.

I remember getting this movie on VHS at McDonald's. No. That was not a typo

There's a couple generations that have seen this 100 times and our hands still sweat at the end of the title game.

My dad played so many of his high school basketball games in that gym in the 50’s - Knightstown, IN.

There were many more scenes that bolstered the love story but were ultimately cut and Barbara Hershey was understandably upset. Angelo Pizzo, a Hoosier is the screenwriter of the masterful classic.

As a Hoosier that played basketball around the time this movie came out, it became almost required viewing before a game in order to get all pumped up to play.

This is one of my favorite movies. It was fantastic . Cast and story were perfect

"I don't love the extended basket making montages..." You mean the >basketball< parts? 😆

15:00 the director said on the commentary that before they shot the drunk scene that Dennis Hopper asked him to give him about 20 seconds before he called action. When the time came Dennis spun in a circle 13 or 14 times to make himself dizzy. It was a trick he learned from his friend James Dean, who used it very effectively in the banquet hall scene in Giant.

Chills everytime Ollie gets the tape measure

A buddy in Indianapolis went to Butler Univ., which is where the final game was played. Whenever you see a Butler Bulldogs home game, you were watching it in the Hoosiers court.

Those slow mo sequences of baskets being made are basically considered high art in Indiana haha.

Im glad you guys did react to this movie, not many have. Being a hoosier this movie happens to be a fav of mine. I dont usually listen to much of any post talk but on this I listened to every word and especially on Mats notes, not surprised that Hackman would be a problem and Im sure many actors in his rep of fame would be. Its real nice to hear some of the inside stuff not normally known. As for your wifes thoughts that "remember the titans" is a good movie and I agree it is but it is basically fiction. The counter is that "Hoosiers" is based roughly on a team back in 1954 Milan [ a very tiny school} that won the championship from one of the largest schools in the state. Thanks again for doing this reaction.

Years ago there was a time where you could't turn around without seeing Gene Hackman in a movie. He was in two or three a year at least! I really liked him as an actor and it saddens me he is retired. I understand he lives in Arizona or New Mexico? Anyhow I think he is great in this movie!

Pippin was SO attentive during Emily’s intro. Then he totally checked out. Love it! Next basketball movie should be Fast Break with Gabe Kaplan.

Hopper won the Academy Award for supporting actor.

Gene Hackman hated everything about the movie . He told Dennis Hopper that he hoped they both saved their money because this was the end of their careers . He refused to do the final voice work until he saw the finished movie up to that point. After he watched it , he said the the director who has a heart attack directing the movie ( that he blamed Hackman for ) - “ How the F did you do that ?”

I cannot believe that Dennis Hopper never got an Oscar nomination for Blue Velvet(1986), which I just checked and is not on your 'list' If you'all have not seen it, you really should! I think she would really get a kick out of it... Dennis Hopper plays Frank Booth, and it is probably the most disturbing character he has ever played(and that is certainly saying something!!!) It also might be the first David Lynch movie for the channel!

Fun fact: Ollie or "shorty" (haha) was probably the best basketball player out of the kids. Movie magic... ;)

The Indiana Pacers of the NBA wear the 'Hickory' uniform as one of their Home uniforms during the Season.

Pippin, the Theatrical Support Cat.

Loved Emily's attempt at a Johnny Most impersonation. If you know, you know.

Nothing better than a wintery day here in Indiana that to watch your reaction to Hoosiers, My classmate Jimmy R is Terhune player # 5

Amazing classic Hoosiers starring by Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper. Thank you guys great reaction awesome

I cant count the number of times I have watched this movie. One of the greatest sports movies ever made. Most of the actors that played the Hickory Huskers never acted again or very few times, which gives the movie a bit of a mythical feel. Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey and Dennis Hopper have never been better.

"It's OK if you don't make it..." --------------- It is NOT OK! He has to make it!! 😆

That probably wasn't sugar cane but sorghum. Important plot point, I know.

This is on my short list of those movies that I have to watch from time to time.

I really love the setting of this movie. You guys should watch October Sky, another great American movie!

I remember being inspired by the movie "The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend" released in 1991. I would spend literally all day at my local basketball court practicing. I would shoot and if I missed, I would shoot from wherever I caught up to the ball. Thankfully the court had chain link surrounding it, lol. My weaknesses was that I wasn't the best ball handler, but I could make most of my shots from just about anywhere.

"You ruined this perfectly good movie" One of the most awkward kisses ever. seen this movies so many times with a wide variety of people and that reaction has been very universal

Great Reactions To One Of My All Time Favorite Movie's, Guy's

24:56 it's horrible that Jimmy got to shoot. Everybody [so many] thought they needed him and making a final shot, leaves people in the story feeling justified and thinking they were right to think he was necessary.-Ernie Moore Jr.

The guy who greets the team off the bus at the state finals played on the real-life 1954 Milan, Indiana team that the movie is based on and the radio announcer who called the final game called the actual game

I'm from Indiana, born and raised. Nine out of the thirteen largest high school gymnasiums are in the state. Until 1998, before class basketball was introduced (1A, 2A, etc.), Indiana was the last state to have a true NCAA March Madness-style state tournament, where any team could win the state championship. In 1997, the final year of "open class" basketball, my high school ended up winning their first state title that year. Much like football in Texas, basketball could be considered a "religion" in Indiana.

A really good sports movie especially portraying mid century, small town middle America life. Oh and Emily, "throwing up rocks" in basketball means you miss your shots, whether from the field or from the foul line. And the Hoosier/Hoser confusion is understandable.

13:04 you had 'em at smarmy.-Ernie Moore Jr.

Another movie in this style I liked is McFarland USA about Cross Country team

1. Disorderlies 2. Flight of the navigator 3. Goonies

A few years after the movie in the early 90’s I worked with the guy who played the religious player. He had given up acting and was working a manual labor job

If she wants a hockey movie, try Slapshot.

Yo Pip! As someone who's family started in Montreal and has been drifting south for 400ish years (next year RI for shure) and who also likes hockey, I understand your disappointment.

Awesome. Hoosiers is one of my favourite sports movies. Gene Hackman is fantastic in this.

My favorite part is where Dennis Hopper points his gun in the air and shouts "IDENTIFY!" Old-school security!

I was at one night filming of Hooser's and two days shooting of Rudy. As much as I like these movies I must say, what little I saw of the director working, I can't disagree with Hackmen.

Barbara Hershey was a underrated beauty. ❤

I went to HS with the actor who played Jimmy Chitwood.

One of the all-time greats

When I was a kid and my parents were working, they'd dump me and my brother at the movies and after we saw the movie we'd payed for, we would just sneak into other movies. I think I saw this one five times.

2:39 comment ...or the middle of Top Gun.-Ernie Moore Jr.

Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana, sacred ground.

6:51 comment good translation.-Ernie Moore Jr.

Emily, I really disagree with you on the romance. It's *not* your typical "a few scenes forced into the storyline for romance" thing, though. It is directly tied to Norm's story from his very first arrival at the school -- he has more scenes with Myra than anyone else in the film. It is arguable that it's just as tied to the story as Adrienne's is to Rocky's in Rocky (in fact, even more, because Myra is part of the central plot involving the school, she isn't an outside character he romances apart from the action). I found the romance really touching, and I also appreciated that it was a romance between two middle-aged people who had given up on finding happiness. The entire film is about second chances, and the romance echoes and strengthens that story, it doesn't take away from it. Hackman was a nightmare on set for sure, but while he could be difficult occasionally, this was a different scenario where he really crossed into being paranoid and unprofessional. He just seemed to latch onto this idea that the movie would end his career. I love Hackman as an actor, but am saddened by his behavior on this film. Meanwhile, I still love the movie. I saw it in the theatre as a kid and will never forget people clapping and cheering. They gave it a standing ovation at the end, and it was so moving. For me it remains one of the great sports movies of all time, and Dennis Hopper (as Shooter) was nominated for an Oscar, as was Jerry Goldsmith's wonderful score (which included the syncopated "basketball dribble" sound as percussion). Also, as someone who once had a Pippin kitty years ago, your sweet cat is freaking adorable.

Corn in Indiana. Too cold most of the year for sugar cane.

Finally someone does this

This is inspired by a real team, believe it or not. In the open class days, there were still a lot of small town teams that played in the tournament but usually lost to the larger city high schools as the tournament went on. In 1954, that changed. The real high school was called Milan instead of Hickory. They made the state semifinals the year before, seen as a huge underdog. In the semi-state tournament, they beat future NBA superstar Oscar "Big O" Robertson from one of the big schools in Indianapolis. They advanced to the final against a much-large school called Muncie Central, who had won the state title four times at that point. But Milan beat them 32-30 at the buzzer to win the state title. Their enrollment at the time was 161 students; Milan is still the smallest school ever to win the IHSAA basketball title. The entire town had only a population of 1,150 people in 1954. It's still known as the "Milan Miracle" in the Hoosier State. In 2010, Butler University (based in Indianapolis) made a historic underdog run to the national title game before losing. Their home arena is called Hinkle Fieldhouse, which is where Milan won the state title. Several members of the '54 Milan team cheered Butler on to the title game. To show how crazy Indiana is about basketball, all you need to know is this: "Hoosiers" received an Oscar nomination for Dennis Hopper for Supporting Actor, and Original Score for Jerry Goldsmith. Director David Anspaugh and writer Angelo Pizzo grew up in Indiana and graduates of Indiana University. The night of the awards ceremony was March 30, 1987. Anspaugh and Pizzo skipped the Oscar ceremony because IU was playing in the NCAA final against Syracuse that night. They won on a dramatic shot in the final seconds for their fifth and most recent title as of this posting.

Omg… I didn’t think anyone would react to this movie …. I’m not a sports person…. But this movie is amazing..

One scene in the film a fan has an 86 varsity jacket.

Us hosers forgive Emily for thinking we might be hoosiers. 😂 Ain’t nothing wrong with either!

This was based on a real game Milan versus Muncie Central high School

Thanks again for another enjoyable video. I often watch with my baby girl (my cat Newt). I think what I like about these is seeing what parts resonate with you guys. Also your have a good mix of allot of different movies. I know that you mostly pick suggestions from your Patrons (sorry I am not one, I am broke asf) and I get why. But looking through what you have watched there are some suggestions I have for future movies. Maybe some of your Patrons will suggest them. If I suggest something you have done before just ignore it. Major League Men At Work Alien Nation (you might not want milk for a bit after) The Wizard Woman In Red Take care guys

That ending really happened.

4:05 comment 4:11 .-Ernie Moore Jr.

Invincible is another fantastic family friendly sports movie. You guys should check it out!

Cool reaction as always Emily & Matthew, you both have a nice day

An all time family favorite!

I always loved this movie. My parents both came from towns where essentially every boy in high school had to play ball or they didn’t have a team. Sometimes, they even used junior high boys to have enough. Perhaps for that reason, the David versus Goliath theme of the movie appeals to me. Both the coach and the school itself win against seemingly insurmountable foes.

I got few basketball movies recommendations - Rebound the legend of earl the goat manigualt 1995 The pistol the birth of a legend 1991 The basketball diaries 1995

Widely considered the best sports movie.

loved Hoosiers, total classic 👍

If you want another movie with Gene Hackman, check out "Bat 21".

I agree that the romance wasn't earned. I can see how she would come to respect him, but it was a bit of a leap for them to get together.

Did anybody mention this is based on a true story when Indiana still had an All-Division state tournament? Aka all schools big or sma competed for the one state title? The small school did beat the big city school in real life.

omg finally someone reacting to a good sports movie In 49 states it's just basketball, but this is Indiana.

"Are you trying to trick me? Is this a kissing movie?"

As far as sports movies go. This one of the better ones. Other great ones are. McFarland USA Eddie the Eagle Remember the titans are even better IMHO #Title Matthew Movie Referee For the next sports movie. #Suggestion Diggstown (1992) A sports movie that is not yet on yours very long lists

Hope you two are having an great and awesome day ❤️

My favorite sports movie is "Bring it on". 😁

add: Strange Brew ...then hoser will stick for good lol

20:38 I'm from small town rural Indiana. The only time I was ever starstruck was meeting the team this was based on's real coach. This is the best movie ever. But I still hate this scene after hundreds of rewatches.

Great movie. I’m Canadian and not the biggest basketball fan but even I know, in Indiana basketball is religion

One of my favorite sports-based films. The fact that it's based on an incredible true story makes it that much better.

love this movie!