Review of Race (2016) by Omar L — 25 Feb 2016

The script for this movie is so basic, unsubtle, and expository that it could easily be confused for an after school special. That in and of itself isn't a bad thing; the story of Jesse Owens is one that kids should learn so that his place in American and world history can be appreciated.

There are a few good things about this movie, most notably Jason Sudeikis's performance, but Jesse Owens as a character isn't all that interesting to watch. The most interesting part of the movie is the politics that surround the American participation in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, which are fascinating to watch given how we all know it will play out.

However, this movie is supposed to be about Owens, and when the typical biopic cliches (like an unnecessary love triangle) show up, they drag this movie down to a crawl. For a movie about a runner, that is inexcusable.