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THE EXPRESS

Starring: Denis Quaid, Rob Brown, Kris Wolff, and Darrin Dewitt Henson

Directed By: Gary Fleder

PG for thematic content, violence and language involving racism, and for brief sensuality

By John Delia

One of the most inspirational movies to come out of Hollywood, The Express delivers a strong message of determination in the face of racism. Outstanding acting on the parts of Rob Brown and Denis Quaid make this strong willed movie a winner. And, you don’t have to like football to enjoy this absorbing motion picture.
The movie is a docudrama on the life of African-American college football player Ernie Davis (Brown) who captured America’s heart in the early 60’s while leading his team to a national championship. Davis was the first black man to win college football’s highest award, the Heisman Trophy. But it wasn’t a smooth road for Davis as his life coincided with the era of racial prejudice and segregation that kept most black men who could have been great athletes out of most all Colleges, especially in the South.
Playing for northern Syracuse University, Davis followed in the shadow of the great Jim Brown (Henson) who became one of the NFL’s greatest players. Although Brown helped pave the way into pro football, in college when northern teams played southern colleges, the racial tension ran high. Faced with this race factor when he was recruited by Syracuse, Davis never gave up on his way to helping his team. When a major illness stood in his way of profession greatness however, his fight was even greater.
It’s true stories like The Express that make filmmaking worthwhile as it goes beyond entertainment and provides lessons and inspiration for others. Much like Glory Road, The Rookie, The Greatest Game, Miracle, Remember the Titans, The Final Season, and other great true sports films, the fight and determination against all odds is what makes America great.
Outstanding direction by Fleder provides a seamless account getting the best performances out of his players while he drives the story home. Quaid hits the target as the great Ben Schwartzwalder a college coach determined to bring home a national football championship to Syracuse University. Nothing stood in his way, not even racial prejudice.
But the standout performance comes from Rob Brown as Davis. Determined, agile, focused and without fear, Brown provides these elements in the creation of his character. Ernie Davis was a man who would not back down even in the face of possible racial violence on and off the field, and Brown connects.
The film contains football violence and language involving racism, and for brief sensuality.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The Express is a true winner and an inspiration for everyone. (4 of 5 stars)