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The Express By John Mulderig Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- The cause of human dignity sweeps the field in the inspiring fact-based sports drama "The Express" (Universal). A rousing tribute to Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the first African-American recipient of college football's prestigious Heisman Trophy, director Gary Fleder's biopic highlights the role played by faith in shaping the athlete's values while effectively personalizing the issues of the civil rights era. With his nationally celebrated star player Jim Brown (Darrin Dewitt Henson) about to graduate, Syracuse University coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid) is scouting for a replacement when he's impressed by footage of the on-field exploits of high schooler Davis. Wooed by Schwartzwalder and wowed by the appearance of Brown, Davis signs on, only to receive an indifferent reception from Syracuse's overwhelmingly white student body. Relying on the religiously based morals instilled by his grandfather, Pops (Charles S. Dutton), St. Paul's words to the Corinthians -- "But by the grace of God, I am what I am" -- are movingly recited by a youthful, stutter-burdened Davis. With little more than the friendship of fellow player Jack Buckley (Omar Benson Miller), the newcomer must cope with tensions on and off the gridiron. While honing Davis' skills, the hard-driving coach assigns Brown's old jersey number, 44, to the freshman. Though Davis rapidly rises to the challenge, societal racial conflicts become focused on him and his two black teammates when the Syracuse players travel south for a vital bowl game. Quaid is compelling as the initially conservative Schwartzwalder, a reluctant revolutionary who follows his conscience. His passionate halftime speech during the climactic game skillfully expresses the mind of a fundamentally decent man who has been pushed too far. The often witty interplay between Davis and Buckley is another of this engaging movie's many strengths. Though there is occasional use of the S-word, and a brief scene of Davis caressing his girlfriend, Sarah (Nicole Behaire), on a bed suggests premarital intimacy, the basic message of the film is important enough to make it recommendable for older teens. The film contains brief nongraphic premarital sexual activity, occasional crude and crass language, some uses of profanity and racial slurs; it is possibly acceptable for older teens. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. - - - Mulderig is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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