Touchback Movie Ending Explained, Cast and Plot
by Mathelene | Updated May 30, 2023
Touchback
Touchback is a sports film that was released in 2011. It was written and directed by Don Handfield and features a cast including Brian Presley, Melanie Lynskey, Kurt Russell, and Christine Lahti. The movie initially premiered on home video in Finland and Sweden on September 28, 2011, and later had a limited theatrical run in the United States the following year.
The story revolves around a former high school football star named Scott Murphy, portrayed by Brian Presley. As an adult, Scott finds himself struggling with disappointment and regret due to a career-ending injury he sustained during a championship game. Disillusioned with his current life and longing for a second chance, he is transported back in time to the moment of his injury.
In this unexpected twist, Scott gets the opportunity to relive that fateful game and potentially change the outcome. He must decide whether to make different choices and alter the course of his life. As he navigates the past, Scott reflects on his relationships, dreams, and the impact of his decisions on those around him.
Touchback received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some appreciated its heartfelt portrayal of second chances and personal redemption, others found fault with certain aspects of the film. Despite the varying opinions, it remains a notable entry in the sports movie genre, exploring themes of perseverance, regret, and the power of choices.
Touchback Movie Ending Explained
In the realm of onscreen time-travel adventures, "Back to the Future" often springs to mind. However, the concept of a film centered around a sci-fi second chance to correct mistakes or alter the future has been a part of cinema since its inception. The common outcome tends to be that our protagonist discovers their life holds greater significance than they initially realized, even if the external circumstances remain unchanged.
From this perspective, "Touchback," a football-themed fantasy, successfully handles this familiar formula. While it does stumble with a few inconsistencies and logical leaps, it ultimately delivers a message. By incorporating themes of attempted suicide and some mild profanity, the film may limit its audience when it comes to family viewing.
However, similar to the classic "It's a Wonderful Life," Touchback strongly emphasizes that an individual's worth surpasses any thoughts of self-harm. It highlights the value one holds for their family, friends, and community. The movie achieves this by demonstrating how pain and loss can forge inner strength if we allow them to.
It encourages us to fight resolutely against the challenges that confront us, to find a way past any obstacles. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of opening our hearts to the support and love of those around us. In "Touchback," missed opportunities are mere footholds, keeping bigger possibilities open.
The film also presents poignant and emotional moments that celebrate familial love, the compassion of friends, and the generosity that emerges from a close-knit community. By utilizing time travel and football as storytelling tools, the movie ultimately helps us recognize our capacity to face adversity in the game of life.
Touchback Movie Plot
Scott Murphy, a former high school football star, had his dreams of playing college football shattered when he suffered a career-ending injury during the Ohio State High School Championship game. Now, twenty years later, he resides in Coldwater, Ohio, with his family.
Scott's leg is still injured, and he works as a farmer and a volunteer firefighter. His farm is struggling, and he faces the possibility of losing it due to a compromised harvest and financial obligations. Scott's life is further complicated by the return of his old friend Hall, who made it to the NFL and married Scott's former high school girlfriend.
The impending halftime ceremony to honor Scott at a game brings back painful memories and exacerbates his depression. Overwhelmed by a series of misfortunes, including an early frost and a broken soybean header, Scott contemplates suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in his truck.
However, his wife, Macy, suggests hand-picking the soybeans to salvage their crop. Scott initially dismisses the idea due to the vastness of the task. But as he reaches his breaking point, he suddenly wakes up back in 1991, the eve of the championship game.
Embracing the opportunity, Scott spends time with his hard-working mother and has one last meeting with Ohio State University scouts, who assure him that sitting out the game won't affect his prospects of joining the university's quarterback unit.
Scott introduces himself to Macy, trying to explain the extraordinary circumstances he's experiencing. Despite his initial decision to avoid playing in the game, Scott changes his mind after Coach Hand delivers an inspiring speech about the town of Coldwater and its merits.
As Scott relives the events leading up to the game, he decides to give his all on the field. While his individual efforts keep the game competitive, Coach Hand encourages him to involve his teammates. In a pivotal moment, Scott has the option to run a risky play that caused his previous injury or call an audible.
He chooses to adapt and executes a running play, leaping into the end zone despite taking a brutal hit that shatters his knee. Against all odds, Coldwater wins the championship over the heavily favored Chiefs. Returning to consciousness in his truck, Scott realizes his suicide attempt failed due to running out of gas. As he walks back to town, he discovers it empty, including the football field.
However, upon reaching his farm, he is greeted by the entire community of Coldwater, who have come together to help harvest his soybeans. Touched by their support, Scott resolves to stop complaining about his life and appreciates the blessings he already has. He decides to become an assistant coach to his mentor and reunites with his wife and children, finding happiness and contentment in the present.
Cast of Touchback
Brian Presley
Scott Murphy
Melanie Lynskey
Macy
Kurt Russell
Coach Hand
Marc Blucas
Hall
Christine Lahti
Thelma
Sarah Wright
Jenny
Drew Powell
Dwight Pearson
Kevin Covais
Todd White
James Duval
Rodriguez
Sianoa Smit-McPhee
Sasha
Cast
Character
Touchback Where to Watch?
Touchback is available for streaming through various platforms. If you wish to watch the movie, you have the option to rent or purchase it on popular platforms such as Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Vudu, and Google Play. These platforms allow you to stream the film directly to your device for a fee.
Alternatively, if you prefer to watch Touchback for free, you can do so on streaming platforms like Pluto or Tubi. These platforms offer the movie as part of their free streaming library, allowing you to enjoy the film without any additional cost. By utilizing these streaming services, you can easily access Touchback and enjoy the story of Scott Murphy's journey of redemption and second chances in the world of football.
Touchback Movie Ending Explained- FAQs
Touchback was released in 2011.
Touchback was directed by Don Handfield.
Yes, Touchback can be categorized as a sports movie as it revolves around the story of a former high school football star and his journey to reclaim his lost dreams in the world of football.