Run the Race

As we approach Easter, we start seeing a number of inspirational films. Considering this type of film doesn't traditionally profit hugely, it has become convenient for Hollywood to release these films now, since we are still within the 'dead zone' period which can help these films box office wise. So now we are offered "Run the Race" to fill that inspirational void.

 

In this story, two desperate brothers sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. Reeling from his mother's death from cancer and his father, Michael Truett's (Kristoffer Polaha) abandonment, Zach (Tanner Stine), an All-State athlete, finds glory on the football field, working to earn a college scholarship and the brothers' ticket out of the small Florida town in which they reside. When a devastating injury puts Zach--and his dreams--on the sidelines, Dave (Evan Hofer) laces up his track cleats to salvage their future and point Zach toward hope. Things would seem grim if it wasn't for the support of their godmother, Louise (Frances Fisher) and Zach's coach, Coach Hailey (Mykelti Williamson) for their attempt to hold the brothers together emotionally and spiritually.

 

Others to round out the cast are Kelsey Reinhardt as Ginger, Zach's girlfriend, Mario Van Peebles as Pastor Baker, Caleb Castille as Dexter, Eddie George as Tom, Gianna Simone as Dr. Stevens and Darrell Foster as Donald.

 

This was effectively directed by Chris Dowling ("Rock Slyde" '09, "Where Hope Grows" '14) plus a short. The characters in this came across as real people instead of actors being maudlin in their roles. The chemistry between the two brothers was amazingly realistic in that they could've been brothers in real life and one would actually believe it. All this is talented directing. It was written by Jake McEntire, Jason Baumgardner and Dowling, based on a story by McEntire. Although Dowling has the lion's share of the writing experience here, it was still written with a fair amount of cohesiveness and continuity. Other than a couple of places of choppiness and inconsistencies, this storyline kept me attentive of what was going on within the script. This was McEntire's first screenplay which is amazing in and of itself. The character development of the two brothers was delineated incredibly realistically, that it made it so effortless in watching the two on that screen, because you wanted to believe they actually were brothers.

 

While there are so many films out there that cater to people that want to see violent, sex-ridden, four-letter-word films, it is certainly a pleasant change of pace to see something that the entire family can view. This has many elements that challenge us: fear, love, anger, redemption and connection all rolled up in a 100 minute running time.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                    Rated: PG                                     102mins.