Running Into History

“The Express”  (2008) — movie review
Today’s review is for the biographical sports drama “The Express” (2008), starring Rob Brown as Ernie Davis, Dennis Quaid as Ben Schwartzwalder (the gruff but evolving Syracuse football coach), Charles S. Dutton as Willie Davis (Ernie’s proud and principled grandfather), and Omar Benson Miller as Jack Buckley (Ernie’s loyal teammate and friend).  Darrin Dewitt Henson plays Jim Brown and Chadwick Boseman has a brief role as Floyd Little (a high schooler being recruited to Syracuse by Davis).  The film chronicles Davis’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to national stardom on the gridiron, all while navigating the racial turbulence of 1950s and ’60s America.  Directed by Gary Fleder, the film attempts to blend sports triumph with social commentary — a balancing act that’s as ambitious as it is (continues to be) necessary.
Background:  This was my first viewing of “The Express“.  I don’t have any memory of it’s initial release, nor did I see anything on YouTube to spark interest.  The film was just a standard VUDU (now Fandango) “you liked this, so…” referral.  In anticipation of seeing it now, I was curious whether the film’s emotional beats and historical framing would resonate — or whether it would feel like a formulaic entry in the “inspirational athlete” genre.  (It did “resonate” but it’s still mostly the later.)  The subject, Ernie Davis — however, does hold a unique place in American sports history as the first African-American to win the Heisman.  As such, his story is not “just” about football;  it’s about dignity, perseverance, and the cost of breaking barriers.
Plot:  The film opens in the steel town of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where a young Ernie Davis is raised by his grandfather after being abandoned by his father.  From an early age, Ernie’s speed and agility set him apart, and he quickly becomes a high school football sensation.  Recruited by Syracuse University, he joins the team under Coach Ben Schwartzwalder (after being recruited by the legendary running back Jim Brown), a WWII veteran with a no-nonsense demeanor and a locker room still adjusting to integration.  As Davis rises through the ranks, he faces racism on and off the field — from opposing teams, fans, and even within his own squad.  The film builds toward the 1960 Cotton Bowl, where Davis leads Syracuse to a national championship, and culminates in his historic Heisman win.  But just as his professional career begins, tragedy strikes:  Davis is diagnosed with leukemia, cutting short a life and career that had only just begun.
So, is this movie any good?  How’s the acting?  The filming / FX?  Any problems?  And, did I enjoy the film?  Short answers:  Yes;  solid and sincere;  period-authentic and well-paced;  a few clichés;  yes — and I teared up.
Any Good?  Yes.  “The Express” is a heartfelt, but occasionally conventional, sports biopic that succeeds more often than not.  It’s a film that understands the power of its subject and doesn’t shy away from the ugliness / racism of the era.  While it follows familiar beats — the underdog, the mentor, the big game — it does so with conviction and care.  The film’s greatest strength lies in its ability to humanize Ernie Davis without sanctifying him.  He’s not just a symbol — he’s a son, a teammate, a young man trying to navigate fame, expectation, and injustice.
Acting:  Rob Brown delivers a quietly powerful performance as Ernie Davis.  He captures the character’s humility, resolve, and inner conflict without resorting to melodrama.  Brown’s Davis is not a firebrand — he’s a steady flame, burning with purpose.  Dennis Quaid, as Coach Schwartzwalder, brings gruff charisma and surprising nuance.  His arc — from reluctant integrator to staunch defender — is handled with restraint, and Quaid avoids caricature.  Charles S. Dutton, as always, grounds the film with gravitas, and Omar Benson Miller adds warmth and levity.  The ensemble cast — including Clancy Brown and Chadwick Boseman in a brief but memorable role — rounds out the story with authenticity.
Filming / FX:  Visually, the film is effective without being flashy.  The football sequences are well-staged — kinetic but coherent — and the period detail is convincing.  The cinematography leans into warm tones and grainy textures, evoking the era without over-stylizing it.  The use of archival footage and recreated newsreels adds a layer of historical weight.  The  sound design during game sequences — the crunch of tackles, the roar of the crowd — is immersive.
Problems:  A few.  The film occasionally leans too heavily on sports-movie tropes — the slow-motion touchdown, the locker room speech, the montage of victories.  While these moments are expected, they sometimes undercut the more complex racial and personal themes the film is trying to explore.  The script also simplifies some historical tensions, particularly around the integration of college football and the NFL.  And while the film touches on Davis’s illness, it doesn’t fully explore the emotional toll of his diagnosis — opting instead for a more inspirational tone.
Did I Enjoy the Film?  Yes!  “The Express” is a film that moved me — not just because of its subject, but because of its sincerity.  It reminded me that sports are not just about winning;  they’re about individuals (and teams), character, courage, and change.  Ernie Davis’s story is one that deserved to be told, and while the film may not be perfect, it tells the story with heart.  I found myself almost tearing up more than once — not just at the tragedy of Davis’s fate, but at the grace with which he carried himself through it.
Final Recommendation:  Strong recommendation.  “The Express” is a stirring, character-driven sports drama that honors the legacy of Ernie Davis without turning him into a statue.  It’s rated PG for thematic material (portrayal of overt racism), language, and some violence, but it’s suitable for most audiences.  If you’re a fan of sports films, civil rights history, or stories about quiet heroism, this one is worth your time.  It’s not just about football — it’s about running through barriers, and doing it with dignity.
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Click here (24 November) to see the posts of prior years.  I started this blog in late 2009.  Daily posting began in late January 2011.  Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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