Cool Runnings
Directed by:
Jon TurteltaubCinematography:
Phedon PapamichaelCast:
Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba, John Candy, Raymond J. Barry, Peter Outerbridge, Paul Coeur, Jay Brazeau, Christopher Gaze, David Lovgren (more)Plots(1)
Based on a true story, this is the comedic saga of four Jamaican athletes going to extremes to compete as bobsled racers at the Winter Olympics. With few resources and virtually no clue about winter sports, it's an uphill course for this troupe from the tropics who are sliding on thin ice as they go for the gold in Calgary, Canada. Refusing to let anything stand in their way, these four Jamaicans enlist the help of a down-and-out ex-champion American slider named Irv. Unavoidably drawn back to a sport he had come to loathe, Irv is faced with coaching a team of complete novices. But once committed, he is determined to turn them around and to somehow right the wrongs of his own failed career. It's a bumpy ride but with pride, determination, and dignity, the bobsledders make their impossible dreams come true. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (4)
"'Nuff people say, you know they can't believe, Jamaica, we have a bobsled team." Cool Runnings is an incredibly easygoing film that entertains and enlightens even on repeat viewings. The comedic element was mainly provided by the (as always funny and natural) John Candy and Doug E. Doug with his "Rastafarian stuff". Along with the comedy and sporting line, there are a few more serious moments that have a bit of kitsch in them, but still always get me, especially in the case of the final race. An enjoyable and heartfelt film about how it's not important to win, but to participate and go proudly after your dream regardless of the reactions of others.
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A solid laid-back family film loosely based on true events. It’s is kept afloat mainly by John Candy and Zimmer's music.
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I’d like to immerse myself in the experience of everyone involved, whether they were the competitors themselves, their coaches, or the spectators at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Seeing a Jamaican team at the Winter Olympics, especially a bobsled team, was certainly a unique spectacle. The Jamaicans surprised everyone and showed that even those from tropical regions can compete with the best nations that boast SNOW in this sport, proving that one of the most important factors is friendship, which can take you a long way. Now back to the film. I enjoyed it in every aspect. I must commend the casting of the main actors; each character brought a different personality, leading to various amusing situations. The film blends multiple genres, which usually ends poorly, but it managed to mix them seamlessly. At one moment, it delivers a great joke, then shifts to a serious message, and at times provides dramatic moments. I fully immersed myself in the bobsledders' experience and lived through everything with them. Comedies rarely succeed this well, but this one stands on a pedestal in my rankings alongside a few others. The ending is quite emotional, somewhat different from reality, but honestly, I don't think anyone minds. I give it 90%.
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I thought that after all these years, and also after reaching thirty years of age, this movie wouldn't appeal to me as much as when I was a child, but I found that some movies just don't age, even as the viewer ages. I was still having fun and I was still touched. This movie just keeps going and does it well.
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