The Express

Rob Brown is earnest and likeable as gridiron great Ernie Davis, who left his poverty-stricken background behind after succeeding Jim Brown as the star running back of Syracuse University’s football team in 1959. Supported by his loving grandfather (Charles Dutton) and inspired by baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Ernie perseveres in the face of daunting obstacles, winning the respect of his coach (Dennis Quaid), his teammates and even bigoted referees who initially call him on fouls he never committed. Like many period football movies, the situations here are somewhat hackneyed and the dialog is kind of corny. But despite the predictably uplifting ending, The Express is still inspirational.

Shelf Talk: Remember the Titans is probably the best of a handful of films that use football as a metaphor for racial struggle. To this group belongs The Express, a less accomplished movie that has the advantage of being based on real events. Without an easily marketable cast, it’ll need strong support from Universal to make a substantial dent in the marketplace during the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl season.