The Express Release Date: October 10, 2008 Studio: Universal Pictures Director: Gary Fleder Screenwriter: Charles Leavitt Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller, Clancy Brown,
Charles S. Dutton Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 (thematic content, violence and language involving
racism, and for brief sensuality) Official Website: TheExpressmovie.com
Plot Summary: Based on a true story, "The Express" follows the
extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the first
African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. His fight for equality and respect
forever changed the face of American sports, and his story continues to inspire
new generations.
Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania coal-mining country, Davis hurdled social and
economic obstacles to become one of the greatest running backs in college
football history. Under the guidance of legendary Syracuse coach Ben
Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), he became a hero who superseded Jim Brown's
achievements and set records that stand to this day.
Decorated veteran Schwartzwalder was a Southerner with a single vision of a
national championship and hardened ideas about how the world worked. But though
he and Davis clashed mightily, he taught the player everything he knew about
football, just as Davis helped him learn the true meaning of victory.
As the growing civil rights movement divided the country in the '60s, Davis
became a symbol for achievement that transcended race. Refusing to flinch from
others' prejudices, he achieved all his goals—until he faced a challenge that
would make most men crumble. He joined the ranks of black pioneers by teaching a
generation tolerance, inspiring a movement that smashed barriers on and off the
field.
EN 5 Second Review:
Take your children to see this movie, if you don't have
any, go anyway. Inspirational without being sappy.
A
football film that will appeal to people who can't tell a halfback from
a cornerback Randy Cordova: Arizona Republic
The Express tells the true story of college-football star
Ernie Davis. It's such a naturally compelling tale that one wonders why
it hasn't been filmed before...more
How
do you transform what is essentially a tragedy into an
inspirational tale? David Hiltbrand: Philadelphia
Equirer
The Express eventually reaches its
triumph-of-the-human-spirit climax, but it yanks too hard on
the heart strings during the long journey there...more
EN 5 Second Review:
Take your children to see this movie, if you don't have
any, go anyway. Inspirational without being sappy.
How
do you transform what is essentially a tragedy into an
inspirational tale? 
