RACE

Plot:

When James Cleveland Owens (James) who was called Jesse by a previous teacher and he never corrected it,  arrived at The Ohio State University to become a track sprinter under Coach Larry Snyder (Sudeikis), he had no idea that he would be training to participate for the upcoming Olympics. While the United States and the Germans were at odds regarding issues that had the Americans threatening to boycott their presence at the summer competition, Jesse under the guidance of his coach train and set records at the state competitions for colleges. With the various oppositions because of his skin color he wanted his feet to be his expression so when the United States finally agreed to join in the 1936 Olympic Games being held in Berlin, Jesse would attend then break and set new records winning four gold medals in the presence of Adolf Hitler, crushing his hopes for Aryan Supremacy from his country.


Reel Talk:

Powerful movie!!! Even though going into the theater one may know the history about Jesse Owens and his accomplishments, it does not diminish the intensity of the film. There were moments when I thought I was actually in Berlin. The performances from the cast was excellent, the young upcoming actor Stephan James did a great portrayal of Jesse Owens, this should be a breakout movie for him and Jason Sudeikis known normally for his comedic roles put in a surprisingly great performance as the hard nose Coach Snyder. This movie not only depicts Jesse's amazing athletic accomplishments but how he had to still cope, show his strength, resilience and character when his own country would not acknowledge what he did to defy the issues regarding his race (skin color). Excellent movie that I highly recommend...worth every dollar!

Starring: Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Eli Goree, Shanice Banton, Jeremy Irons, William Hurt and Carice Van Houten
Directed by: Stephan Hopkins
Rated: PG-13

I give it 5 corn dogs.

By: THE REEL HUSTLER