
Biopics largely
rely on the performances to make the film what it is and Race is no different.
Stephan James is absolutely spectacular as the Buckeye Bullet. He conveys such
emotion and inner turmoil through all of the tough decisions that Jesse Owens
faced. But behind him is a great support in Jason Sudeikis’ role as the coach.
There is such a progression in relationship between Owens and Snyder as the
film goes on and all the while it feels tangible and real because of what these
two actors bring to the film.
There are so many
subplots throughout the film, and writers Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse do a
decent job of weaving the athletics in with social issues. The quick cuts back and forth between
storylines certainly do not help the flow of the film though and it ultimately
ends up being slightly too long. Race ends up being a collection of good
moments, perhaps even great, but when put together with the rest, the film ends
up a little unbalanced.
Race is, if nothing
else, an important film to be made. It deals with some issues that many people
would like to forget existed and handles them in the right way. And how clever
of a title was Race? Not only does it pertain to the running aspect but also
with the social issues that drive a majority of the film due to the nature of
the athletics to be rather short.

So what did you think of Race? Have you seen it and what's your favorite sports biopic? Subscribe, Share, Comment below, and as always be sure to visit I Am Sam for weekly reviews.
Be sure to check back later today and this week for my predictions for the Oscars this coming Sunday, February 28th.
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