Cast: Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller, Clancy Brown and Charles S. Dutton
Director: Gary Fleder
Studio Synopsis: Based on the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. His fight for equality and respect forever changed the face of American sports, and his story continues to inspire new generations. Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania coal-mining country, Davis hurdled social and economic obstacles to become one of the greatest running backs in college football history. Under the guidance of legendary Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), he became a hero who superseded Jim Brown's achievements and set records that stand to this day. Decorated veteran Schwartzwalder was a Southerner with a single vision of a national championship and hardened ideas about how the world worked. But though he and Davis clashed mightily, he taught the player everything he knew about football, just as Davis helped him learn the true meaning of victory. As the growing civil rights movement divided the country in the '60s, Davis became a symbol for achievement that transcended race. Refusing to flinch from others' prejudices, he achieved all his goals until he faced a challenge that would make most men crumble. He joined the ranks of black pioneers by teaching a generation tolerance, inspiring a movement that smashed barriers on and off the field.
Rating: PG
Running Time: 130 minutes
Official Web site: http://www.theexpressmovie.com/
Trailer: http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/theexpress/

The Verdict: The Remember the Titans-ization of fact-based underdog sports movies continues with this conventional but nonetheless moving account of the short life of college football player Ernie Davis. Rob Brown offers a heartfelt portrayal of the fleet-footed Syracuse University running back who, in 1961, overcame institutional racism to become the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner. As Syracuse’s hard-nosed Ben Schwartzwalder, Dennis Quaid adroitly externalizes the inner conflict faced by a win-at-all-costs coach who fears putting his star player in harm’s way. Under director Gary Fleder’s conservative game plan, The Express does feel like every other racially charged sports history lesson that’s come our way in the past decade. And it overstays its welcome by 20 minutes as it chronicles Davis’ losing fight against leukemia. That said, The Express so draws you into Davis’ bid for acceptance and respect that you can’t help but cheer him on as he rushes for glory.
—Robert Sims