The Express 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hollywood.com Says
The Express is a well-meaning inspirational football film--even if it seems like it comes directly out of some sort of Hollywood playbook for sports movies.

Story
Based on the true story of Ernie Davis, the first black athlete ever to win college football’s prized Heisman Trophy, The Express effectively details the struggle this man went through in the ‘50s and early ‘60s. Starting when he is a young boy, living with his grandfather (Charles S. Dutton) in the deep South, Davis (Rob Brown) shows a penchant for football, and with the support of his family, he wins a scholarship to Syracuse University, where he follows in the storied footsteps of Jim Brown (Darrin Dewitt Henson). Welcomed by coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), Davis is soon the star of the team. But racism rears its ugly head, not just with rivals, but also among fans attending the games and even among some of his own teammates, including the obnoxious Bob Lundy (Geoff Stults). Davis’ climb to the top ranks of the college game, his quest to join the pros and follow Brown to Cleveland, and a personal life-changing tragedy are all detailed with heart.

 

Acting
As Davis, Rob Brown acquits himself nicely and is totally convincing as one of the all-time college football greats. He uncovers the passion, drive and sheer determination of a player who triumphed against personal and societal odds to become a legendary champion. Along with Justin Martin’s (as the young Ernie) contributions, we get the full picture of a poor Southern boy who never stopped overcoming whatever drawbacks life threw at him. Quaid, as the legendary Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder, is wonderful, losing himself completely in the soul of a man who guided the early careers of two of the greatest African-American athletes ever. With a craggy face, cap and heavy glasses, Quaid seems like the real thing. In his few scenes, Dutton registers warmly as Davis’ grandfather. As friend and teammate Jack Buckley, Omar Benson Miller proves his bravura turn in Miracle at St. Anna was no fluke. He brings humor and smarts to a nice supporting role. Stults is rather one dimensional as the race-baiting Lundy, but the script doesn’t give him much more than that.

 

Direction

Director Gary Fleder tries hard to steer this story away from the conventional traps of the sports movie genre but doesn’t really succeed. This is standard issue, inspirational stuff that we have seen a hundred times. Like the best of these formula dramas however, it’s the individual story and struggle we can relate to. Fortunately for all involved, Ernie Davis has an amazing story to tell--particularly in the film’s final act. For those who don’t like football, however, the generous dose of it on display here will probably send you over the edge. Fleder clearly figures audiences drawn to The Express are there for the pigskin action, and he delivers with brilliantly choreographed and edited recreations of Davis’ dazzling career on the field. With music ramped up, crowd excitement at a fever pitch and very impressive moves from the key actors, this is some of the most authentic game action we’ve seen in a long time. For fans of the game, and one of its greatest young players, The Express throws a cinematic touchdown. 

 

 

http://www.hollywood.com/review/The_Express/5326685

 

 

 

 

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story

by Robert C. Gallagher (Author)  

 

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
“He could do it all, beat every opponent . . . except one.”
–plaque honoring Ernie Davis, in the lobby of Elmira Free Academy

Ernie Davis was an All-American on the gridiron, and a man of integrity off the field. A multi-sport high school star in Elmira, New York, Davis went on to Syracuse University, where as a sophomore he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, and earned his nickname, the Elmira Express. Two seasons later, Davis had broken the legendary Jim Brown’s rushing records, and became the first black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.

The number one pick in the 1962 NFL draft, Davis signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns and appeared to be headed for professional stardom. But Davis never ended up playing in the NFL: He was diagnosed with leukemia during the summer before his rookie season and succumbed to the disease less than a year later. In battling his illness, Davis showed great dignity and courage, inspired the nation, and moved President John F. Kennedy to eulogize him as “ an outstanding man of great character.”

An enduring story of a true scholar-athlete, The Express is a touching, impeccably researched, deeply personal portrait of Ernie Davis, and a vivid look at sport in America at the dawn of the Civil Rights era.

 

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Express-Ernie-Davis-Story/dp/0345510860 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Express 2008