Separated by 160 miles and comprised of fans who share many similarities, the rivalry between the University of Alabama and Auburn University is one of the most bitter rivalries in all of sports (though Buckeye and Wolverine fans would have a bone to pick with that) and has greatly intensified over the past few seasons. Alabama was usually the stronger team, and even won the national championship as recently as 2009. Then last year, amidst a personal inquiry, a few ugly fan incidents, and a hurricane that devastated the state, quarterback Cam Newton led Auburn to a national championship, further elevated the storied rivalry. "Roll Tide/War Eagle" is a rushed, lazy, and uncinematic celebration of fandom whose production seemed inevitable following the remarkable recent events. Instead of a well thought out documentary, we get a bunch of famed athlete alums from both schools shouting taunts and praises for their respective schools. Director Martin Khodabakhshian has managed to take an interesting story which he clearly holds dear and turn it into an uninteresting snore, even at a running time of less than an hour.
Entertainment Magazine
Separated by 160 miles and comprised of fans who share many similarities, the rivalry between the University of Alabama and Auburn University is one of the most bitter rivalries in all of sports (though Buckeye and Wolverine fans would have a bone to pick with that) and has greatly intensified over the past few seasons. Alabama was usually the stronger team, and even won the national championship as recently as 2009. Then last year, amidst a personal inquiry, a few ugly fan incidents, and a hurricane that devastated the state, quarterback Cam Newton led Auburn to a national championship, further elevated the storied rivalry. "Roll Tide/War Eagle" is a rushed, lazy, and uncinematic celebration of fandom whose production seemed inevitable following the remarkable recent events. Instead of a well thought out documentary, we get a bunch of famed athlete alums from both schools shouting taunts and praises for their respective schools. Director Martin Khodabakhshian has managed to take an interesting story which he clearly holds dear and turn it into an uninteresting snore, even at a running time of less than an hour.
