The Express (2008)
What a powerful story of the first African American football player to win the Heisman Award. This movie was definitely appropriate for this time, demonstrating what it means to struggle, survive, and overcome. The story of Ernie Davis (played by Rob Brown) is one that can be passed down to any child regardless of race and color. He would change the face of professional sports and its impact on the youth.
Being raised in the Southern Tier of New York State, Davis would overcome numberous hurdles and barriers to become "a force to be reckon with" running back for Syracuse University. Davis would follow in the legacy of fellow Syracuse Orangeman Jim Brown and become not just a great high-school and college athlete but a legend as well. With the guidance of a "surrogate father" figure coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid) he would become greater than great, and better than Davis could even imagine. Ernie Davis' story is a true testament of the power that one man can possess. He would become an inspirational icon during the civil rights movement letting the world know that his ability and skill was just as good as the next athlete. By breaking through and refusing to give in to racist rules, Ernie Davis would set a standard of excellence and pride. Davis would have a helping hand by a key supporting performance from his teammate and friend Buckley (Omar Benson Miller, "Miracle at St. Anna) who has already experienced much of what Davis would on the Syracuse campus. He wanted both black and whites to reexamine a life that one would live in which was based on color-based priviledges. And with all of the extra commotion going on in his life, Davis would also maintain a strong relationship with his family always giving praise and thanks to them. One could tell that he had a very personable relationship with his grandfather "Pops" (Charles Dutton).
The story of Ernie Davis is definitely one to remember and tell to the future. A story that makes people reflect on the quality of life, and that you can have a huge impact on the nation in just 23 years. I like the fact that it did not take the "blamin" road, but more so a road of what all can people can do. Dennis Quaid did an excellent job in playing the late Syracuse football coach, as well as the perfect choice in choosing the budding actor Rob Brown for Ernie Davis. I am sure both men would be proud to see the selected representation. One could see that the acting was not overworked and was relevant to the times. The true character was exhibited through each of the actors in this film.
And how appropriate this was to come out when it did considering we are in a prime time for collegiate and professional football season. It made a touch down in my book!!
Grade: A/B+
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