“The Rocket" is a small town story inspired by true events, about a high school football star who suffers a severe head injury and loses his entire life plan. The heaviness of a broken relationship with his father, and losing the identity of "football star" push him to seek a new way to prove himself. Restricted from playing any sports and despite being an unlikely runner, the cross country coach brings the young man aboard his high school team out of necessity, and through much struggle, doubt, and determination, he finds a new way to push towards greatness. With colorful characters, youthful insights, and nostalgic storytelling, "The Rocket" brings together the elements of family, loss, failure, and redemption. The entire story is based on real characters and events that took place in the mid-west in 1999.
Acting
Tutton carries the whole film on his shoulders — and his limp.
Writing
True story that doesn't sanitize the ugly parts of recovery.
Practical Effects
1999 Midwest captured with zero pretension, just real.
Director
Richard Blake
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Richard Blake cast himself as Coach Olsen because he IS the real-life coach this happened to — the whole film is autobiographical.
This quietly joins the tiny club of accurate TBI portrayals in sports films, made before concussion awareness went mainstream in 2015's 'Concussion'.
US
