Cool Runnings

Starring: Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba, John Candy
Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
1993

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Four Jamaicans (Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba) and a disgraced American (John Candy) who serves as their coach form the first Jamaican bobsled team to compete at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Review:

Tim: This is one of those feel-good Disney sports movies that you can't help but get caught up in. The movie is fun, hopeful, and uplifting. It is really a story of people moving outside of their comfort zones, a fish-out-of-water story, if you will. The movie works because we genuinely care about the characters, and want them to succeed.

Now, Disney took some huge liberties with the story. This might be "inspired" by a true story, but it is certainly not "based" on a true story. The movie is enjoyable, but it is very loosely based on true events, and most of the film is not rooted in facts at all.

John Candy is quite enjoyable as the gruff coach. He really restrained himself here, and that is why his performance is so great. The four Jamaican bobsledders also do great work. The movie really captures the relaxed, different lifestyle of Jamaica. This makes it all the more interesting when the Jamaicans get to the high pressure, freezing cold tundra of the Winter Olympics.

Cool Runnings is a great movie because it allows us to root for the underdog, and get behind the little guy. This is a movie about chasing dreams, and never giving up, no matter what. Disney is excellent at creating inspirational sports movies, and this is one of their finest.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Rookie, Miracle, Glory Road, Remember the Titans