Cool Runnings Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of guys from Jamaica decide to go ice-tubing but it’s way more complicated than they thought.

🍿 Cool Runnings: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Sprinter’s Olympic Dream Dashed

Derice Bannock, a talented Jamaican sprinter, dreams of Olympic glory. However, during the qualifying race, a fellow competitor’s fall causes Derice to be tripped, ending his hopes of competing in the Summer Olympics. Determined to still represent his country, Derice seeks an alternative path to the Olympics.

Finding a Disgraced Coach

Derice discovers that Irving Blitzer, a former American bobsledder living in Jamaica, was once a friend of his father. Blitzer, a disgraced Olympian due to a cheating scandal, is initially reluctant to help. However, Derice’s persistence and his connection to Blitzer’s past convince him to train the first Jamaican bobsled team.

Assembling the Team

Along with his best friend, Sanka Coffie, a pushcart racer, Derice recruits two other sprinters: Yul Brenner and Junior Bevil, the runner responsible for the initial accident. The four young men, with limited resources and no experience in winter sports, begin their training under Blitzer’s guidance. They face numerous challenges, from building a makeshift bobsled to mastering the basics of bobsledding.

Facing Ridicule and Obstacles

The team overcomes financial hurdles by finding creative ways to raise money, including selling Junior’s car. They travel to Calgary for the 1988 Winter Olympics, where they are met with skepticism and ridicule from other teams. They struggle to adapt to the cold weather and master the icy track, facing numerous setbacks and crashes.

Discovering the Truth About Irv

Derice learns about Blitzer’s past cheating scandal, causing him to question his coach’s integrity. Tensions rise within the team as they grapple with their lack of experience and the pressure to prove themselves. However, they continue to train and refine their technique, driven by their determination and national pride.

Qualifying Against the Odds

The Jamaican team improves their performance and manages to qualify for the finals, despite facing disqualification due to a technicality. Blitzer confronts his former coach, Kurt Hemphill, who is responsible for the disqualification, and pleads for his team’s chance to compete. Hemphill relents, and the Jamaicans are reinstated, earning the respect of their fellow competitors.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Derice Bannock (Leon): An ambitious Jamaican sprinter who dreams of Olympic glory and leads the country’s first bobsled team.
• Irv Blitzer (John Candy): A disgraced former Olympic bobsledder who finds redemption in coaching the Jamaican team.
• Sanka Coffie (Doug E. Doug): Derice’s loyal and comedic best friend, a push-cart racer who becomes the team’s brakesman.
• Junior Bevil (Rawle D. Lewis): A talented but clumsy runner who initially causes Derice’s Olympic setback but later joins the bobsled team.
• Yul Brenner (Malik Yoba): A strong and determined sprinter who joins the team and initially holds a grudge against Junior.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sanka: “Peace be with you.” – Sanka’s trademark greeting, showcasing his laid-back and spiritual nature.
• Sanka: “Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time! COOL RUNNINGS!” – Sanka’s inspirational chant to energize the team before their practice runs.
• Irv: “A gold medal is a wonderful thing, but if you’re not enough without it, you’ll never be enough with it.” – Irv’s advice to Derice about the true meaning of being a champion, regardless of the outcome.
• Sanka: “How about I draw a line down the middle of your head so it looks like a butt?” – Sanka says this funny line to Yul in response to being called names.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $68,856,263
• Worldwide Gross: $154,856,263

💥 Cool Runnings Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Cool Runnings growing up! The story of the Jamaican bobsled team is so inspiring. I always cheered when they walked across the finish line. John Candy was brilliant in this movie. It’s a feel-good classic that reminds me to never give up on my dreams. Every time I watch it, I can’t help but smile!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming and funny movie”
  • “Sports enthusiasts who enjoy underdog stories”
  • “Fans of John Candy’s comedic performances”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity”
  • “Individuals interested in the Olympic spirit and cultural diversity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some instances of physical comedy and slapstick violence”
  • “Brief depiction of a bar fight”
  • “Themes of racism and discrimination, which may require discussion with younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Cool Runnings is a feel-good movie that delivers on its promises. The humor is consistent, and the performances are endearing. It captures the underdog spirit with a light touch, though some elements feel a bit formulaic.
• The New York Times: “While it takes considerable liberties with the real story, Cool Runnings is an entertaining family film. John Candy shines in a more grounded role, balancing comedy with genuine emotion. The film’s charm lies in its celebration of perseverance and cultural differences.
• Los Angeles Times: “A crowd-pleasing film, Cool Runnings succeeds in blending humor and heart. The chemistry among the leads is palpable, making their journey both funny and inspiring. Though predictable, the movie’s positive message resonates strongly.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the inspiring and heartwarming ending when the team carries their bobsled across the finish line.: Most viewers praise the film for its feel-good atmosphere, humor, and the positive message about teamwork and perseverance.

Many viewers mentioned John Candy’s performance as a standout, appreciating his ability to balance comedy with emotional depth.: The movie is often described as a classic family film with a strong emphasis on the underdog story.

Overall Consensus: Cool Runnings is generally regarded as an inspiring and entertaining family film, with a strong message of perseverance and excellent performances, especially from John Candy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is loosely based on the true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team’s debut in the bobsleigh competition of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.”
• “Real-life footage of the Jamaican team’s crash during the 1988 Winter Olympics was used in the film.”
• “The bobsledders portrayed in the film are fictional, but at less, the movie could had more realistic names for the four characters than naming one out of a pot of coffee, and an old Western actor.”
• “During the shooting, a local Calgary pipe band would show up to the set and play music for the cast and crew.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cool Runnings?

Cool Runnings is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on Disney+, where a subscription is required. For rental or purchase, check platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to check your local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cool Runnings, you might like these similar films:

• Miracle (2004): Another inspiring sports movie based on a true story, focusing on the ‘Miracle on Ice’ at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
• The Mighty Ducks (1992): A feel-good sports comedy about an underdog team overcoming challenges, with a similar blend of humor and heart.
• Eddie the Eagle (2016): A more modern film about an underdog athlete competing in the Winter Olympics, sharing the same spirit of determination and humor.
• Rocky (1976): This movie features themes of perseverance, determination, and overcoming adversity, similar to those of Cool Runnings, but with a serious tone.

🛒 Cool Runnings Related Products

• Cool Runnings (Blu-ray): Relive the magic of the 1988 Winter Olympics with this beautifully restored Blu-ray edition of Cool Runnings. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Cool Runnings T-Shirt – Feel The Rhythm: Officially licensed Cool Runnings t-shirt featuring iconic images and quotes from the movie.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Cool Runnings – Sanka Coffie: Add some Jamaican flair to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure of the beloved Sanka Coffie. A must-have for any Cool Runnings enthusiast.
• Cool Runnings Movie Poster: High-quality reprint of the original movie poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cool Runnings features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Can See Clearly Now” – performed by Jimmy Cliff
• “You Can Get It If You Really Want” – performed by Jimmy Cliff
• “Love You Want” – performed by Wailing Souls
• “Stir It Up” – performed by Diana King

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jamaican Bobsleigh Team Debut At Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics

Relive the historic debut of the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team at the 1988 Winter Olympics and see the real-life inspiration behind the movie’s heartwarming story.

16×9 – Cool Runnings: Truth Behind Original Jamaican Bobsled Team

Go behind the scenes with the original Jamaican bobsled team as they share their unforgettable experiences and the inspiring story that led to the creation of the movie.

First-Ever Jamaican Bobsled Team: It Was Even Crazier Than ‘Cool Runnings’ | TODAY

Join the TODAY show as they catch up with the original Jamaican bobsled team members and discover how their Olympic experience shaped their lives and continues to inspire others.

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