The phrase “based on true events” is used a lot in films these days, but as we know, it is a very loose term. Though there are kernels of truth in most of these movies, it is usually just an idea that captures the screenwriters’ imagination which is then turned into his or her own fictionalized version of history. One movie that exemplifies this is the Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure, Last Vegas) Disney flick Cool Runnings.
The story begins with three world class Jamaican sprinters – Derice Bannock (Leon), Junior Bevil (Rawle D. Lewis) and Yul Brenner (Malik Yoba) tripping over each other as they attempt to qualify for the Summer Olympics, ruining any chance of them making the cut. This does not quash Derice’s dreams of making it to the Olympics. So when he sees a photo of his father with bobsled legend Irv Blitzer (John Candy – in one of his final performances) – who attempted to recruit his father for the winter sporting event long ago, he decides to track down the out-of-shape bookie and convince him to coach the three runners and his best friend Sanka Coffie (Doug E. Doug) – who is an iconic Jamaican push cart racer.
Blitzer is reluctant but finally agrees to do the job. He trains the men in Jamaica, making sure they have the speed it takes to compete in the event (though they have still never set foot on ice). The team must then raise money – by way of many schemes, including Sanka’s memorable Jamaican bobsled team song and a kissing booth. Each idea fails miserably, that is until rich kid Junior sells his car without his father’s permission – making it seem as though he is leaving for the job his father has set up for him at the brokerage house of Webster, Webster and Cohen in Miami.
It does not take long for the Jamaicans to feel unwelcomed at the Olympics, not only by the freezing cold temperatures, but also because of the icy reception they receive. They are stared at and heckled by bobsled purists (especially the cocky and obnoxious East German driver Josef Grool – played by Peter Outerbridge). They are also targeted by the International Alliance of Winter Sports and soon find out that their coach is a disgraced athlete who has been stripped of his gold medals for cheating. Yet, in spite of all this, Blitzer is able to call in a few remaining favours to get the team a sled.
As in all underdog stories, things begin miserably. The team does not click (especially Yul and Junior) and their first run is atrocious, making them the laughing stock of the Olympics. But movie magic prevails and despite all odds they are able to improve quickly and challenge for a medal.
In reality, there was a Jamaican bobsled team at the Calgary Olympics, yet they were not world class sprinters. There was no Irv Blitzer, International Alliance of Winter Sports or major adversity (they were actually welcomed). Perhaps the most glaring change is that the Jamaican team was not even close to competing for a medal position. Yet Cool Runnings, which is now twenty two years old, has shaped its own fictional history that is much more moving. The story captures the important life-long lessons of bravery, overcoming adversity, the benefit of a strong work ethic, being yourself and always following your dreams.
The movie, which straddles the line between a light-hearted comedy and a sports drama, is able to reach both children and adults alike with its underdog themed story. Some of the best moments are the motivational or touching scenes between the teammates and or the coach. It is nice to see Yul, who starts out as a cold, unfriendly man solely looking for an escape from Jamaica, become a role model who is able to embolden the meek and timid Junior – a young man under the thumb of his controlling and wealthy father. Similarly, one of the more powerful moments is when Derice and Blitzer have a discussion about his unsavoury past. Blitzer tells Derice that “a gold medal is a wonderful thing. But if you’re not enough without one, you’ll never be enough with one”. And when Derice asks his coach if he is ‘enough’, he responds “When you cross the finish line tomorrow, you’ll know”. It is this conversation that sticks with us as we watch their last run and are moved by the team’s final united action.
Cool Runnings is an entertaining family movie that, despite the clichés, is able to take a small moment from history and transform it into a tale about following your dreams – no matter what the odds. The film contains excellent acting, especially from the ever magical John Candy (who was consistently able to play comedic characters that held a little bit of darkness and sadness within), as well as great comedic moments and some life lessons to boot. So, don’t flip by this sports flick, for it is well worth the journey – yeah, mon!