Review of Race (2016) by Greg C — 21 Feb 2016

The ever so subtle double-entendre of Race is matched by a movie with a somewhat blunt opening and a to-the-point style. I hate to call this Jesse Owens story a paint-by-numbers account of an African-American icon overcoming the odds of his day (a la 42: The Jackie Robinson Story 2013).

I do appreciate the history lesson. Most of the technical points are adequate. I think an overhead stadium shot is used more than once, including the passing clouds. The sound editing including moments of silence are a notch better.

What raises this movie above the crowd is the performances. Stephan James is an impressive Jesse Owens. Carice Van Houten gives Leni Rifenstahl a personality I'd never imagined. David Kross as Luz makes the most of his limited screen time.

These are actors on the rise. And Jason Sudekis as Coach Larry Snyder makes the cross from a comedic role to a more dramatic one well and steady. It's too early to say that he'll be the next Tom Hanks, but Jason did good.

And like the aforementioned 42, there are a load of uncomfortable situations around Race, including one of out-numbering the really impressive black roles with really impressive white roles.