12 Mighty Orphans

PG-13

Released Jun 11, 2021

1 hr. 58 min.

History

Drama

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List

63%

89 Reviews

Tomatometer

94%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

12 MIGHTY ORPHANS tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes—or even a football—to playing for the Texas state championships. Over the course of their winning season these underdogs and their resilient spirit became an inspiration to their city, state, and an entire nation in need of a rebound, even catching the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The architect of their success was Rusty Russell, a legendary high school coach who shocked his colleagues by giving up a privileged position so he could teach and coach at an orphanage. Few knew Rusty's secret: that he himself was an orphan. Recognizing that his scrawny players couldn't beat the other teams with brawn, Rusty developed innovative strategies that would come to define modern football.

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Critics Consensus

12 Mighty Orphans will rouse faithful fans of old-fashioned inspirational sports dramas, but the target audience has seen this sort of thing done more effectively before.

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Audience Consensus

If you're in the mood for a true story that'll make you feel good, 12 Mighty Orphans is as heartwarming as they come.

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Julie

This movie was awesome and inspirational! Enjoyed every minute.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/21

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PMG

Uplifing true story. Well told and learned why gratitute is an important basic tenant.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/21

Full Review

Julie

Excellent! Luke Wilson was great. A feel good movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/01/21

Full Review

TN Movie Critic

We really liked this movie! The acting was good, but more importantly, the message was very positive. The only negative was that there was unnecessary foul language that would prevent it from being a good film with a positive message for children.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/31/21

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Patricia D

LOVE. Love, loved the movie. A MUST see. Always good to see and underdog rises type movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/31/21

Full Review

Lori R

What a great movie, the actors and the story was awesome. A real feel good movie!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/21

Full Review

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Ty Roberts

Director

Luke Wilson

Rusty Russell

Vinessa Shaw

Juanita Russell

Wayne Knight

Frank Wynn

Jake Austin Walker

Hardy Brown

Robert Duvall

Mason Hawk

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12 Mighty Orphans: Trailer 1

2:08

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Brad Wheeler

Globe and Mail

Who could resist a Depression-era sports drama involving Texas orphans and a gentle, do-gooder head football coach named Rusty Russell?

Aug 5, 2021

Full Review

Cary Darling

Houston Chronicle

It's an up-from-struggle story tailor-made for an old-fashioned, family-friendly, earnest, feel-good movie, and that's exactly what Roberts delivers,

Rated: 3/5

Jun 24, 2021

Full Review

Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

12 Mighty Orphans and 1,200 not-so-mighty clichés.

Jun 22, 2021

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

Stuff.co.nz

If formulaic sports movies based-on-true-stories are your bag, you'll enjoy 12 Mighty Orphans just fine.

Sep 25, 2023

Full Review

David Gonzalez

The Cinematic Reel

12 Mighty Orphans is a welcomed addition to the sports film genre. It is a feel-good indie film that is sure to find its audience with its performances and overall message of hope.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 31, 2023

Full Review

M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

12 Mighty Orphans is a ragamuffin to Texas football glory tale that’s a welcome surprise. Ty Robert’s film earns its “incredible” true story tagline.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 9, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

12 MIGHTY ORPHANS tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes—or even a football—to playing for the Texas state championships. Over the course of their winning season these underdogs and their resilient spirit became an inspiration to their city, state, and an entire nation in need of a rebound, even catching the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The architect of their success was Rusty Russell, a legendary high school coach who shocked his colleagues by giving up a privileged position so he could teach and coach at an orphanage. Few knew Rusty's secret: that he himself was an orphan. Recognizing that his scrawny players couldn't beat the other teams with brawn, Rusty developed innovative strategies that would come to define modern football.

Director: Ty Roberts
Executive Producer: Ekaterina Baker, Matt Barr, J. Todd Harris, Ryan R. Johnson, Kyle Stroud
Screenwriter: Ty Roberts, Lane Garrison, Kevin Meyer
Production Co: Carte Blanche Film, Santa Rita Film Co., Michael De Luca Productions, Greenbelt Films, Sprockefeller Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Brief Teen Drinking|Smoking|Some Suggestive References|Violence)
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 11, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 30, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.7M
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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