The Express Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy runs really fast and then gets a trophy but then gets sick, proving that even trophies can’t cure nosebleeds.

🍿 The Express: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Football Beginnings

The film opens with Ernie Davis as a young boy in Pennsylvania, showcasing his natural athletic ability. He faces racial prejudice early on, which fuels his determination. His mother eventually remarries, and they move to Elmira, New York, where Ernie’s football career begins to take shape under the guidance of his grandfather.

Recruitment to Syracuse University

Ernie’s exceptional high school performance attracts the attention of Ben Schwartzwalder, the coach of Syracuse University. With the help of Jim Brown, a legendary Syracuse alumnus and NFL star, Schwartzwalder successfully recruits Davis. At Syracuse, Ernie faces a new level of competition and continued racial discrimination.

Facing Racism and Rising to Stardom

The film depicts the racial tensions of the late 1950s and early 1960s, showcasing the prejudice Davis and his teammates encounter both on and off the field. Despite the hostility, Ernie’s talent shines through, leading Syracuse to a national championship and earning him the Heisman Trophy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ernie Davis (Rob Brown): The gifted African-American athlete who becomes the first to win the Heisman Trophy, battling prejudice and adversity along the way.
• Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid): The head coach at Syracuse University who recruits and mentors Ernie Davis, learning valuable lessons about equality and acceptance.
• Jim Brown (Darrin Dewitt Henson): The All-American running back who helps recruit Ernie Davis to Syracuse and serves as a mentor and friend.
• Willie ‘Pops’ Davis (Charles S. Dutton): Ernie’s grandfather, who provides a strong, supportive influence throughout his life.
• Sarah Ward (Nicole Beharie): Ernie Davis’s girlfriend who offers him support and love as he navigates his journey.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ernie Davis: “I’m just gonna let my play do the talkin’.” – Ernie said this multiple times throughout the movie to demonstrate how he would show his worth, not just talk about it.
• Ben Schwartzwalder: “Sometimes life throws things at you, Ernie. Things you can’t control.” – The coach says this to Ernie reflecting on the difficult times they faced, both personal and societal.
• Ben Schwartzwalder: “Don’t let ’em take your history.” – Coach Schwartzwalder inspires his team during their Cotton Bowl game against Texas to not let racism affect their performance and destiny.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,793,406
• Worldwide Gross: $9,808,124

💥 The Express Reviews

Personal Review

As a sports movie fan, I found ‘The Express’ incredibly moving! It’s more than just football; it’s about overcoming prejudice and achieving greatness. I especially loved the scenes showcasing Davis’s perseverance against all odds, and Dennis Quaid’s portrayal of the evolving coach was outstanding. It’s a story that will stay with you!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Sports fans”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “People who appreciate inspiring stories”
  • “Fans of Dennis Quaid and Rob Brown”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial slurs and discrimination”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Illness and death”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “While somewhat formulaic, ‘The Express’ delivers a powerful and moving story about Ernie Davis’s life and struggles, enhanced by strong performances from Rob Brown and Dennis Quaid. You’ll cheer, you’ll cry, and you’ll come away inspired.
• The New York Times: “The film touches on relevant social issues during the civil rights movement, but does so at the expense of developing the actual story. Rob Brown is compelling to watch with Dennis Quaid who gives the film needed gravitas. The movie ends on a somber note.

Audience Reactions

Ernie Davis’s inspiring journey resonated deeply with viewers.: Many viewers praised the film’s portrayal of courage, determination, and the impact of Davis’s legacy.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Express’ is generally well-received as an inspiring sports biopic, highlighting the life and struggles of Ernie Davis, with praise for its performances and emotional impact.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chadwick Boseman’s feature film debut.”
• “Some scenes were filmed at Lane Tech High School in Chicago, Illinois.”
• “The film portrays the 1959 Syracuse vs. West Virginia game as being played in Morgantown with racist taunts from WVU fans. In reality, Syracuse never played West Virginia in Morgantown that year, and accounts from players dispute the depicted events.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Express?

The Express is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite availability. You can also find it on physical media like Blu-ray and DVD through retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Express, you might like these similar films:

• Remember the Titans (2000): Both films deal with the integration of sports teams and overcoming racial prejudice.
• 42 (2013): A biopic about Jackie Robinson, another black athlete breaking barriers in a segregated America.
• Rudy (1993): An underdog story about a determined individual pursuing his dream of playing college football, though it lacks the racial component.
• Brian’s Song (1971): A poignant sports drama focusing on the friendship between two football players facing a terminal illness, similar to the tragic elements of Ernie Davis’ story.

🛒 The Express Related Products

• Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express: This biography by Robert C. Gallagher provides a comprehensive look into the life of Ernie Davis, offering deeper insights beyond the movie.
• Syracuse University Throwback Football Jersey – Ernie Davis #44: A high-quality replica of Ernie Davis’s iconic Syracuse jersey, a piece of sports history.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Choo Choo Ch’ Boogie” – performed by Louis Jordan & The Tympany Five

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With The Polar Express In 12 Minutes Or Less

Ever noticed some weird stuff in ‘The Polar Express’? This CinemaSins video hilariously points out all the movie’s sins, and honestly, some of them are so true it’s hard not to laugh!

Polar Express Theory: Is Everything A Dream?

Want a mind-blowing take on ‘The Polar Express’? This video asks the big question: is it all just a dream? I’m still not sure what to believe after watching this!

The Inevitable Downfall Of Robert Zemeckis’ CGI Films (Polar Express, Beowulf, A Christmas Carol)

Ever wonder why ‘The Polar Express’ looks the way it does? This video dives into Robert Zemeckis’ CGI phase and how it affected his films. It’s a really interesting look at the movie’s animation style!

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