Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and language.
Starring Stephan James, Jeremy Irons, Jason Sudeikis, Carice van Houten and William Hurt
Directed by Stephen Hopkins (The Ghost and the Darkness, Blown Away and Judgment Night)
Race was good, but could have been much better.
Based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, the legendary athletic superstar whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy. Race is an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance, and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man’s fight to become an Olympic legend.
As of fan of films about sports and the heroes who played the games I expected this one to be one of my favorite movies of the year, unfortunately it is not. Don’t get me wrong, Race is good, but it’s not as good as films like Miracle, Rudy and others.
So let’s start with the things the movie got right. The cast including Stephan James, Jeremy Irons and Jason Sudeikis are all really good. I’m a big fan of Sudeikis and it was great to see him in this kind of role. He’s still funny, but he also shows his serious side. I loved his performance. James is also great, but bares absolutely no resemblance to Jesse Owens.
Race has plenty of heart. You can’t help but fall in love with Owens and cheer for him. We see that he was not perfect but stood for what was right and inspired those around him.
I wished the tension in the film were stronger. Jesse overcame enormous obstacles but the quick pace seems to gloss over most of them. I also think that the nature of the competition didn’t allow for the tension to build adequately. I mean when a race only lasts 10 seconds, it’s hard to get emotionally involved. Then there is the racial tension between blacks and whites and between the Nazis and the Jews. There seemed to be opportunities for more intense interactions, but they never materialized.
Sure there were some flaws, but I would still give it a “Theater Worthy.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex, nudity or violence; and even the profanity is mild for a PG-13 film. I would say this is a film that teenagers should see.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
- What were some obstacles Jesse Owens overcame?
- What are some obstacles you’re facing?
- What is Paul’s advice to us about “running” with endurance?
Read Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.