The Express
The Express is an apt nickname that is never really spoken in this biopic but eventually becomes a newspaper visual as the best way to headline the college gridiron feats via the feet of 60’s Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis (affable Rob Brown). This elevating story of a poor kid with a prominent stutter who exploited his speedy talent is truly inspirational but it might not have happened without the help of U of Syracuse coach Ben Schwartswalder (Dennis Quaid) not to mention his closely knit family especially his even handed grandfather who for several years was the only parent Ernie knew as a boy. The story is juxtaposed perfectly over the obligatory but crunchingly realistic football plays. Kudos to Omar Benson Miller as Jack Buckley his fellow team mate currently on screen in Miracle at St Anna who again plays a charming and funny giant. Being the MVP-est of all college football payers is accolade enough but when you’re the first black athlete to take the honour it’s historic so it seems odd that Ernie Davis is not a household name yet OJ is. Why eventually comes to light but maybe the bigger story is how far racial attitudes have changed in less than 50 years from a time when often more challenging than the pounding on the field was the physical threat from the fans in the stands.