Varsity Blues, which opened in theaters on Jan. 15, 1999, remains a nostalgic and surprisingly poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of high school football in west Texas.
James Van Der Beek, fresh off his breakout performance on the popular TV series Dawson’s Creek, delivers a solid performance as Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, a shy and reserved backup quarterback who is thrust into the spotlight when star quarterback and Mox’s best friend Lance Harbor (Paul Walker, She’s All That) suffers a major knee injury.
Jon Voight (Heat) is powerful as Coach Bud Kilmer, a ruthless and driven figure who pushes his players to their physical and emotional limits in pursuit of his next district championship.
James Van Der Beek and Jon Voight in Varsity Blues (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
The film explores themes of pressure, ambition, and the complexities of small-town life. Varsity Blues captures the essence of high school experiences, with its mix of teenage angst, budding romances, and the intense pressure to succeed.
Supporting Cast
Ali Larter (Landman) stars as Darcy Sears, the captain of the cheerleaders and Lance’s girlfriend.
Amy Smart plays Julie “Jules” Harbor, Mox’s girlfriend and Lance’s younger sister.
Scott Caan plays Charlie Tweeder, a wild, cocky and hard-partying wide receiver.
Ron Lester plays Billy Bob, an overweight but powerful offensive lineman.
Richard Linebeck also appears as Joe Harbor, Lance and Jules’ father.
Reception for Varsity Blues
Varsity Blues grossed $17.5 million on its opening weekend, No. 1 at the domestic box office, topping Patch Adams ($12 million) starring Robin Williams, A Civil Action ($11.8 million) starring John Travolta and The Thin Red Line ($11.4 million) starring Jim Caviezel, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson and George Clooney.
The film would gross $54.3 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film two out of four stars in his review, saying “All of this sounds as if Varsity Blues is a good movie, and parts of it are, but the parts never quite come together.”
Owen Glieberman, in his Entertainment Weekly review, said “Varsity Blues movingly taps an up-to-the-minute American mood by offering this earthly view of sports as the truest form of heroism. Playing the game, the film says, is all that you can do.”
Legacy
Varsity Blues is a nostalgic and entertaining coming-of-age story that continues to resonate with audiences. It’s a film that captures the spirit of high school football and the complexities of growing up in the late 90s.
