Movie Review: War Eagle, Arkansas - Based on a True Story

Starring: Brian Dennehy, Dan McCabe, Luke Grimes, Mare Winningham, Misti Traya, James McDaniel, Mary Kay Place - Enoch and Wheels have been inseparable best friends all of their lives. Enoch has the ability to walk, but unfortunately has a severe stuttering problem that doesn't allow him to form complete sentences without difficulty. Wheels has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair, but has the ability to speak. It is clear that one couldn't function fully without the other; together they make whole.

During the summer after his senior year, Enoch has been contacted by a scout for TSU. He has the chance to go there on a full baseball scholarship. He must now make the decision of a possibility at the pros, or staying at home with his best friend and family. Even though the town he lives in is quite small and there aren't very many opportunities there; he is clearly indecisive on what he should do.

Pop (Brian Dennehy) wants him to take the scholarship so he can have a possibility at the making the pros. He is living vicariously through Enoch and pushes him extremely hard. Their relationship isn't a very close one, and they tend to have disagreements about what he should do on a constant basis.

This film was very good because it shows the true meaning of friendship and once you have a special bond with someone, it simply can't be broken no matter the circumstances. The performances were off the charts amazing; the dialog for Wheels was very quick witted and hilarious. Enoch's character was easily lovable, because he showed such genuine concern for his best friend and never once saw him as a burden.

After the film was over some of the cast and crew were there to answer questions. It was an honor to be in the presence of the real life Enoch and Wheels, they were overwhelmed by the performances of the actors portraying them.

There is not one doubt that I will be purchasing this wonderful film when it comes out on dvd.

Facts:
It was actually filmed in Arkansas
Luke Grimes(Enoch) does not really stutter
Dan McCabe( Wheels) does not have cerebral palsy, nor was confined to a wheelchair
The story is based on Arkansan producer Vincent Insalasco's son and his best friend