The Express

It’s hard for me to approach inspirational sports movies sometimes. Not that they aren’t good or entertaining… it’s just that they can be very predictable and formulaic. It’s hard for me to get excited about seeing something in which I don’t think I’ll see anything new. That said, the formulas that are used are good ones. Like many of its predecessors, The Express does not fail the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I left the theater inspired, entertained and a little misty-eyed… just like the last time I saw a “based on a true story” sports film.

The Express tells the story of Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious honor given to a collegiate football player. Don’t worry; this doesn’t give anything away, for it’s the slogan for most of the marketing. The film is not so much about how Ernie Davis gets to this accomplishment, but in the relationship between him and the Syracuse head coach, Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid). Through their championship run together, they help one another understand that football can be an ultimate goal for more than just prestige and success.

It’s hard not to be cynical about this film because it’s very entertaining with messages and lessons that are hard to find in your normal day T.V. programming. Yet, I was yearning for a bit more realism from the themes of racism and the sheer pressure that lied on Davis’ shoulders. The dialogue was just a little too crisp at times where everybody seemed to talk in heavy allegories versus real-world conversation. Although there are a lot of the same sport movie clichés (the teammate that changes his ways, the wise-cracking buddy, over-the-top slow motion hits), the movie never crosses the line and its heart makes you overlook these components.

It’s a good thing that the two main actors don’t mind doing all the heavy lifting, because most of the supporting roles are pushed into the background. Rob Brown does a great job of carrying the movie, no pun intended. This relatively unknown face makes you root for him because he is just a good guy with the right intentions, not so much because he is trying to overcome great odds. As a big sports fan, it was refreshing to see portrayals of athletes in a time where games meant more than just a paycheck. Dennis Quaid’s gruffness and scowl gets a little old at times, but he is proving more and more that he can be a marquee name.

The Express is rated PG for some language at times, football violence and a scene that might raise curiosity from younger viewers. It has a little bit more of a rawness to it being under the Universal banner instead of the Disney one we have become accustomed to, but this one is still great for any family to go to. If you are moved at all by this type of movie, you’ll love it. It didn’t really bring anything new to the table, but most audiences won’t even notice. How can you argue against an inspirational film, especially one that happens to release during a low point in our nation’s economy? Even the cynics of cynics can’t argue against that. I give The Express 3.5 out of 5 cheap shots.