Gary Fleder directs this inspirational film about a football legend, Ernie Davis who was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Dennis Quaid stars as the football coach, Ben Schwartzwalder, to Ernie Davis who was brilliantly played by Rob Brown. Based in Pennsylvania in the 60’s where equality of all races was still a big issue, Davis became one of the greatest football stars fighting to make a difference within his community and forever changing the game of football in America. Davis became a football star in a time when segregation in some places were still legal and his fight to the top was not only physical stamina but a fight for equality among all men.
The story of Ernie Davis was vivid in “The Express” and one felt almost entirely in his shoes throughout his journey. Though the movie was a bit long, running at about two hours, the characters were well developed and the plot was consistent and easy to follow. Over all it should have done better than how it did, however, this movie was very much so a Blockbuster to watch with the family rather than at the theaters.
Dennis Quaid took on a powerful role as the football coach and he was the perfect choice for the part. It was evident that the relationship between Davis and his coach was strong and caring. This movie was one of the few movies, which was based on a true story that actually proved itself very similar to the original book. There was a young lady who appeared to be the love interest of Davis but the development of this relationship was very weak, almost as though they needed to put her in there some how but didn’t have much time to do so.
Racism was apparent, and the development of Davis’ team towards equality was what brought him closer and closer to winning and making a statement. The racism of the people in the community was obvious towards others but it would have been more powerful to see the racism directly affect Davis instead of indirectly affecting his family. This way, the struggle and success of Davis obtaining equality would prove more emotional and inspirational.
The setting brought the audience back into that time perfectly, and it was nice to see some new faces up on the screen. This movie was about 4 stars. It lacked great conflict and emotion, however, it is understood that it is hard to obtain if one wants to stick closely to the truth as this one did.
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