miracle

the year: 2004

the genre: sports


the cast: Kurt Russell (Herb Brooks); Patricia Clarkson (Patti Brooks); Sean McCann (Walter Bush); Eddie Cahill (Jim Craig); Patrick O’Brien Demsey (Mike Eruzione); Michael Mantenuto (Jack O’Callahan)


the plot: Coach Herb Brooks, takes a group of ragtag college hockey players and creates a powerhouse that takes on the legendary Soviet Union team at the 1980 Olympic Games.


count: how many “Herbies” the guys have to skate after the Noway game.


don’t miss: Real-life Patti Brooks as an extra in the stands during the U.S. vs. Russia game. You can see her positioned up and to the left of the actor who portrayed Jim Craig's dad in the movie, during many of his scenes during the U.S.-vs.-Russia game. She also appears in a couple of scenes with Walter Bush, the director of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Committee.


check out: why Cox plays college hockey. (Hint: “isn’t it obvious?”)


listen for: "What's up, you sieve!" At the national team hockey tryouts, Jack O'Callahan greets Jim Craig, with that quote. In ice hockey slang, a sieve is a goal tender who allows too many shots to go through into his net.


also listen for: “When you pull on that jersey, you represent yourself and your teammates. And the name on the front is a hell of alot more important than the one on the back! Get that through your head!”


did you know: The young men chosen to portray the members of Team USA were chosen primarily for their hockey skills due to the intensive nature of the filming; acting ability was secondary. In fact, for most of them, this was their first major film.


also listen for: “I'm not looking for the best players, Craig. I'm looking for the right ones.”



extra bonus points: If you know who portrayed Team USA player Buzz Schneider in the film.