COOL RUNNINGS (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Cool Runnings—inspirational film loosely based on a true story—becomes a good film for John Candy’s talents. The story stacks its freshness on the talents of Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, and Malik Yoba to portray a group of Jamaicans who decide to compete in a winter sport when they are from a tropical country. It’s a great tribute to the philosophies that one needs to exercise persistence to win, never back down, take advantage of the opportunities given, and always be willing to walk through a different door when one door closes in order to win big in life.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Jamaican runner Derice Bannack (Leon) fails to win a spot in the Olympics running competition. He sees a picture of his father with bobsledding coach, Irv Blitzer (John Candy), and gets the idea that he can get into the Olympics via the bobsledding competition.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Susan B. Landau and Christopher Meledandri for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Derice Bannock (Leon), Sanka Coffie (Doug E. Doug), Junior Bevil (Rawle D. Lewis), Yul Brenner (Malik Yoba), Irv (John Candy), Kurt Hemphill (Raymond J. Barry), Josef Grool (Peter Outerbridge), Roger (Paul Coeur), and Larry (Larry Gilman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a ‘feel good’ movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers