Cool Runnings tells the trueish story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to enter the Winter Olympics. The four-man team – including a failed Jamaica sprinter (Leon), a rich kid (Lewis), a hardcase (Yoba) and a slacker (Doug) are trained by a disgraced former bobsled trainer (Candy) who finds himself exiled on the island. They face ridicule but somehow defy expectations to reach the Winter Olympics and then actually pose a threat to the superior European and North American teams.
John Candy is perfect for the role of washed-up Bobsled coach as physically you could imagine an ex-sportsman down on his look to resemble his figure and surly demeanour. A medley of homegrown Jamaican actors create an excellent mix of personalities who become closer as the film progresses and bring a chummy camaraderie and sometimes very funny comedy to proceedings.
Sure, it’s not historically correct but that doesn’t really matter with this film’s family-orientated target audience. The film’s feel good factor and inspirational message is complemented by some darker moments and the climax can leave the most stone cold psycho killer with a tear in their eye. Cool Runnings made-for-TV feel and excitability makes it a perfect family film for a rainy Sunday afternoon.