The Express (2008)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

Gary Fleder

Writers (WGA):

Charles Leavitt (written by)
Robert Gallagher (book)

Release Date:

10 October 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Plot:

A drama based on the life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.

Plot Keywords:

African American | Student Athlete | 1960s | American Football | Syracuse University

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Rob Brown	...	Ernie Davis
Dennis Quaid	...	Ben Schwartzwalder
Darrin Dewitt Henson	...	Jim Brown
Omar Benson Miller	...	Jack Buckley
Nelsan Ellis	...	Will Davis, Jr.
Charles S. Dutton	...	Willie 'Pops' Davis
Justin Martin	...	Young Ernie Davis
Justin Jones	...	Young Will
Nicole Beharie	...	Sarah Ward
Aunjanue Ellis	...	Marie Davis
Elizabeth Shivers	...	Elizabeth Davis
Clancy Brown	...	Roy Simmons Sr.
Danny McCarthy	...	Bill Bell
Regina Hoyles	...	Sister
Chelcie Ross	...	Lew Andreas

Also Known As:

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (USA) (promotional title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic content, violence and language involving racism, and for brief sensuality. (edited from PG-13 version)

Runtime:

130 min

Country:

USA | Germany

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | DTS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG (certificate #43975) | Singapore:PG | Argentina:Atp | New Zealand:PG

Filming Locations:

Berwyn, Illinois, USA

Company:

Davis Entertainment

Goofs:

Factual errors: In the 1960 Cotton Bowl game, the movie showed Texas pulling within one point of Syracuse, 15 - 14. While this added drama, the game was never that close in the second half. Syracuse was up 23-6 when Texas scored their second and last TD with 7:39 remaining in the game. Being up 9 points also means that the climatic scene at the end of the game would have been a moot point. Texas was not in a position to tie Syracuse even with a TD and 2 point conversion.

Quotes:

Ben Schwartzwalder: I won't tell him he'll be the next Ernie Davis, because there'll never be another Ernie Davis.

Movie Connections:

References Wings of the Hawk (1953)

Soundtrack:

Send For Me

Re: Excellent Movie Of A True Legend

This was a very well acted movie. Dennis Quaid did a great job of playing the coach and Rob Brown was the perfect choice for Ernie Davis. The ratings this movie has received so far are not in line with the quality of this film. This movie in no way presented a political point of view. The only thing political was what happened in real life. This was the recognition given to Ernie by the president of the time. (which was JFK) Other than this movie was more inspirational. It showed the character of Ernie Davis and the faith he had in his own abilities, his coach, family and his God. Ernie Davis has reshaped College sports. Due to his ability to cope with hatred and racism in a positive way. The game of college sports has vastly become more professional. The talent of teams today is far greater than the past. Ernie opened the door foe all races in sports; thus increasing the abilities of the teams. I highly recommend this film.