Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Varsity Blues, a sports comedy-drama was released on January 15, 1999.
Directed by Brian Robbins and written by W. Peter Iliff, the film is set in the small town of West Canaan, Texas, where football is more than just a sport, but an integral part of the community's identity.
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"Varsity Blues" centers on Jonathan "Mox" Moxon, played brilliantly by James Van Der Beek.
Mox is an honor student who dreams of attending Brown University, away from the football obsession that pervades his life in Texas, while his internal conflict with his football-obsessed father, Sam, is a key driving force in the plot.
When the team's starting quarterback, Lance Harbor (Paul Walker), suffers a devastating injury that ends his season, Moxon is forced to take over the important role.
This role puts James Van Der Beek at the forefront of the story, where he must navigate the high expectations of the city, the team, and the tyrannical coach, Coach Bud Kilmer (Jon Voight).
Varsity Blues Synopsis
In West Canaan, Texas, high school football is everything, and the West Canaan Coyotes team is the pride of the town.
Jonathan "Mox" Moxon, played by James Van Der Beek, is a smart, academically accomplished backup quarterback.
Despite being popular and having a good relationship with his friends and girlfriend, Jules Harbor, Mox feels dissatisfied with his life and dreams of attending Brown University in Rhode Island.
He often clashes with his father, Sam, who is obsessed with football.
The Coyotes are coached by Coach Bud Kilmer, a tyrannical and abusive head coach for 30 years who believes in winning at all costs.
Kilmer is a local hero in West Canaan, and his power extends beyond the football field.
When starting quarterback and team captain, Lance Harbor, suffers a serious injury that ends his season, Moxon is forced to take over as starting quarterback.
Moxon must face the immense pressure of leading the team to a division title, while struggling to pursue his own dreams that differ greatly from the town's football obsession.
James Van Der Beek and Other Casts' Performance
"Varsity Blues" features a strong cast, with James Van Der Beek in the show-stealing lead role.
His portrayal of Jonathan "Mox" Moxon, the intelligent and rebellious backup quarterback, earned him widespread recognition.
For this role, James Van Der Beek won the Best Breakthrough Male Performance award at the 1999 MTV Movie Awards and Choice Movie Breakout Star at the 1999 Teen Choice Awards.
In addition to James Van Der Beek, the film also stars Jon Voight as Coach Bud Kilmer, who portrays the tyrant coach with great conviction.
Paul Walker also delivers a strong performance as Lance Harbor, the starting quarterback and team captain, as well as Moxon's best friend.
Lance's character becomes a crucial catalyst in the development of the plot, especially after his injury forces Moxon to take over the leadership role.
Other supporting cast members contributing to the film's success include Ron Lester as Billy Bob, Scott Caan as Charlie Tweeder, Amy Smart as Jules Harbor, Ali Larter as Darcy Sears, and Eliel Swinton as Wendell Brown.
How to Watch Varsity Blues
For those of you who want to relive or watch James Van Der Beek's performance in "Varsity Blues", the film is available on various streaming services.
Some streaming services that offer "Varsity Blues" for free with ads are Pluto TV and Tubi.
For premium subscribers, the film can be found on Peacock Premium, Paramount+ (including the Paramount+ Amazon Channel and the Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel), Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount Plus Premium, and The Roku Channel.
Additionally, "Varsity Blues" can also be purchased or rented digitally through popular platforms such as YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Plex, and Google Play.
For film collectors, DVD and Blu-ray discs are also available for purchase from retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon.