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What does a second chance really cost when the clock has been running for decades? We sat down with The Senior, Angel Studios’ new football drama about Mike Flynt, a 59-year-old who returns to college to finish what one moment stole from him. The hook is irresistible—age against odds, pride against regret—and the story carries enough truth and heart to keep us invested, even as it follows a familiar sports-movie path.

We talk about why the film feels both uplifting and safe, how Michael Chiklis brings quiet weight to a late-life comeback, and where the narrative lands when it comes to family, teammates, and the wounds that winning can’t easily heal. There’s also the evolving Angel Studios identity to consider: a pivot from overtly Christian storytelling to a lighter, faith-adjacent touch. We dig into whether that shift broadens the audience or blunts the film’s spiritual core, and how a Bible in a locker doesn’t always equal a meaningful faith arc on screen.

If you’re looking for polished, earnest, and accessible, The Senior delivers. If you’re hoping for a fresh playbook, it sticks to the tried-and-true: perseverance, doubt, and a final shot at dignity more than glory. We land on a measured 3.5/5—solid performances, steady craft, and a story that moves the chains without changing the game. Press play for our take on inspiration versus originality, the Rudy comparisons the film invites on purpose, and what we want to see next from Angel Studios as they continue to refine their voice. If you enjoyed this review, subscribe, share it with a friend who loves sports dramas, and leave a quick rating to help more listeners find the show.

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