Necessary Roughness Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of college misfits, led by a geriatric freshman, somehow manage to play football and not die, mostly because Texas.

🍿 Necessary Roughness: Detailed Plot Synopsis

NCAA Sanctions and a Fresh Start

Texas State University’s football team, the Fightin’ Armadillos, faces severe NCAA sanctions due to widespread violations. All scholarship players and coaches are dismissed, leaving the university scrambling to field a team from the general student body. Dean Phillip Elias, openly hostile to the football program, sees this as an opportunity to eliminate it entirely.

Recruiting Misfits and a 34-Year-Old Quarterback

Coach Ed Gennero, known for his integrity, is hired to rebuild the program. He recruits Wally Riggendorf as his assistant, and together they hold open tryouts, assembling a team of misfits. Among them is Paul Blake, a 34-year-old former high school football star who never pursued college due to family obligations. Blake’s talent and leadership become crucial to the team’s survival.

Building a Team and Overcoming Obstacles

The newly formed team faces numerous challenges, including a lack of experience, constant ridicule, and sabotage from Dean Elias. They struggle to compete against established programs, suffering humiliating defeats. However, Coach Gennero and Coach Riggendorf instill a sense of camaraderie and determination, gradually transforming the team from a laughingstock into a fighting force.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul Blake (Scott Bakula): A 34-year-old former high school football star who returns to college to lead the underdog team as their quarterback.
• Coach Ed Gennero (Hector Elizondo): The ‘straight arrow’ coach tasked with rebuilding the Texas State football team with integrity after NCAA sanctions.
• Coach Wally Rig (Robert Loggia): The experienced and somewhat eccentric defensive coach who helps rebuild the Armadillos.
• Dr. Suzanne Carter (Harley Jane Kozak): A journalism professor at Texas State who develops a romantic interest in Paul Blake.
• Dean Phillip Elias (Larry Miller): The antagonistic dean who opposes the football program and tries to undermine the team’s progress.
• Andre Krimm (Sinbad): A celestial mechanics professor and former football player who joins the team, adding both brains and brawn.
• Lucy Draper (Kathy Ireland): A talented soccer player who becomes the team’s placekicker, defying expectations and stereotypes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Coach Wally Rig: “You’re gonna get your bell rung so hard, you’re gonna need a shoehorn to put your hat back on!” – A classic, colorful threat delivered by Coach Rig to motivate his players.
• Paul Blake: “You’re hurt. You’re tired. You’re bleeding. I’m gonna make you a promise. We get into that endzone, you’re not gonna feel any pain.” – Blake rallying his teammates during the climactic game, promising adrenaline will overcome their injuries.
• Lucy Draper: “Welcome to foot, ball.” – Lucy’s response after kicking a player who underestimated her, highlighting her strength and skill.
• Coach Ed Gennero: “Now, I want you to go out there and hit somebody ’til they cry!” – Coach Gennero’s simple but effective motivational speech before a game.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $26,255,594
• Worldwide Gross: $26,255,594

💥 Necessary Roughness Reviews

Personal Review

I loved this movie growing up! It’s pure 90s cheese, but in the best way. Scott Bakula is great as the older quarterback, and Sinbad is hilarious. The bar fight scene and the ‘convict’ game are classic. I found myself laughing along and enjoyed it as much now as I did as a kid. This movie reminds me of being a kid and hanging out with family.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of sports comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy underdog stories”
  • “People who appreciate 90s movies”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted, feel-good film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some crude humor”
  • “Football violence (not overly graphic)”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Necessary Roughness might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a fun, lighthearted sports comedy. The cast has great chemistry, and the underdog story is undeniably appealing. Don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling, just a good time.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While predictable, Necessary Roughness delivers enough laughs to be worth a watch, with strong performances by Bakula and Elizondo. The movie’s charm lies in its quirky characters and feel-good spirit.

Audience Reactions

Rob Schneider’s commentary is hilarious!: Most viewers found the film to be a funny and enjoyable sports comedy, with the quirky characters and underdog story being major highlights.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good sports comedy with a predictable plot but a lovable cast that delivers enough laughs to make it an enjoyable watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Several former NFL stars, including Earl Campbell, Jim Kelly, and Jerry Rice, made cameo appearances as members of the prison football team.”
• “Filming took place at the University of North Texas, which served as the fictional Texas State University.”
• “The film’s plot draws inspiration from real-life NCAA sanctions and the challenges faced by college football programs rebuilding after scandal.”

🖥️ How to Watch Necessary Roughness?

Currently, “Necessary Roughness” can be streamed through various platforms like Amazon Prime Video (often requiring a subscription or purchase). You may also find it available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local cable provider’s on-demand options as well. Keep in mind that streaming availability can change, so it’s always best to verify the current options before settling in to watch.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Necessary Roughness, you might like these similar films:

• Major League (1989): Features a ragtag team of underdogs overcoming adversity with humor and heart.
• The Replacements (2000): Another football comedy about a group of unlikely players getting a second chance.
• School of Rock (2003): Thematic similarity in a different context: a group of misfits coming together to achieve something unexpected, led by an unconventional mentor.
• Varsity Blues (1999): Captures the intensity and pressures of high school football in Texas, with a mix of comedy and drama.
• Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004): A comedic take on an underdog sports team with a unique set of characters and a humorous approach to competition.

🛒 Necessary Roughness Related Products

• Necessary Roughness [DVD]: Own the classic 90s sports comedy on DVD and relive the hilarious moments again and again.
• Texas State Armadillos T-Shirt: Show your team spirit with an authentic Texas State Armadillos T-shirt. Comfortable and stylish, perfect for game day or everyday wear.
• Quantum Leap: The Complete Series [DVD]: Celebrate the show that made a star of Scott Bakula. This collection also stars Dean Stockwell.

🎧 Soundtrack

Necessary Roughness features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” – performed by George Strait

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Necessary Roughness (5/10) Movie CLIP – Lucy Joins the Team (1991) HD

Remember when Lucy joined the team? This scene is hilarious! Kathy Ireland totally nails it and it’s a turning point for the whole movie, I think you’ll love the team’s reaction!

Necessary Roughness (4/10) Movie CLIP – Bar Brawl (1991) HD

This bar brawl scene is legendary! It perfectly captures the chaotic spirit of the early team and shows just how much of a mess they were. You’ve GOT to see this!

Necessary Roughness (2/10) Movie CLIP – Wally’s Pep Talk (1991) HD

Wally’s pep talk is one of the best movie speeches ever! Robert Loggia’s energy is infectious and it perfectly captures the underdog spirit of the film. Trust me, it is awesome!

✨ Rate