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Alphabet Killer, The Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
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Express, The
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MPAA RATING: PG for thematic content, violence and language involving racism, and for brief sensuality
Starring Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller, Clancy Brown, and Charles S. Dutton
Based on a true story, "The Express" follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. His fight for equality and respect forever changed the face of American sports, and his story continues to inspire new generations. (Universal Pictures)
| GENRE(S): | Drama |
| WRITTEN BY: |
Robert Gallagher (book)
Charles Leavitt |
| DIRECTED BY: | Gary Fleder |
| RELEASE DATE: |
DVD: January 20, 2009 Theatrical: October 10, 2008 |
| RUNNING TIME: | 129 minutes, Color |
| ORIGIN: | USA |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this movie is 8.3 (out of 10) based on 12 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
B K. gave it a7:
Inspiring story told strictly by0the-book. The lead nails the part! Quaid has done this part many times before.
Sharon C. gave it a10:
I truly do not understand why this movie is given such a low rating by the critics. The film portrays our countries attitude towards African Americans at that time with great insight and accuracy. The acting is superb by both Dennis Quaid and Rob Brown. Plus, the supporting cast ain't to bad either. One feature of the film that I really liked was the editing...slicing actually scenes into the story. During the 50's, and 60's I watched Jim Brown play for the Cleveland Browns from the stands.
Jerry V. gave it a9:
Very good sports movie probably one of the best.
Chad S. gave it a6:
The testimonals are in. With regard to the motivation behind the late Don Haskins' recruitment of black players for his Texas Western(now Texas-El Paso) basketball program, by all accounts, "The Bear", was not a racist bear, or a cross-purposes bear who suited up African-American athletes for the sole purpose of winning games. He did so, because, to quote the late Quaker Oats pitchman Wilford Brimley, "It [was] the right thing to do." For Ben Schwartzwalder(Dennis Quaid), it was the shrewd thing to do. "The Express" is more than the story about the first black Heisman Trophy winner, it's also about a coach who exploited intergration mandates from the vantage point of an opportunist, more so than of a social activist. In the film room, during the recruiting process, his staff reluctantly plays Ernie Davis' highlight reel, even though the Syracuse Orangemen just came off a successful run with future NFL great Jim Brown. Later, when Coach Schwartzwalder tells Ernie(Ron Davis) that "it's not about trophies, it's about games," the filmmaker leaves out the fact that Brown finished fifth in the Heisman voting to Notre Dame's Paul Hornung, a quarterback who led the Fighting Irish to a 2-8 record. While "The Express" purports to be about institutionalized racism, more so than the Cotton Bowl donnybrook with the University of Texas, the film should record this travesty, because the 1956 Heisman race was all about not giving the award to Brown. If Syracuse lost to the Longhorns, they'd lose as a team. Brown, on the other hand, lost because he was black. Ernie Davis' life is a story that deserves recognition, but "The Express" belongs to Coach Schwartzwalder, a man with so many contradictions, he forces the film into collusion, seemingly, in order to keep him within shouting distance of redemption. Soon after Ernie's teammate Jack(Omar Benson Miller) comments on the coach's no fraternization with white girls policy, on cue, a black girl approaches the two student-athletes. If Ernie dated a white girl, it would force the film's hand and go places outside the confines of the inspirational sports movie.
Donna T. gave it a10:
Excellent movie A history lesson that demonstrates character, courage, determination, sacrifice, teamwork and excellence ! I'm not even a football fan. Every young person should see.
Ron R. gave it a10:
This film has come along at a time when America needs to be reminded that great people have strength, character and integrity. I gave me hope and reinforced that people can rise above adversity and negativity. I will see it again in order to balance news about politicians or financial company CEOs.
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