One Dream. Four Jamaicans. Twenty Below Zero.
Rating: 7/10
Running Time: 98 minutes
US Certificate: PG UK Certificate: PG
On DVD
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.
It's Got: Inspirational, humorous and heartwarming moments
It Needs: To be remembered as one of John Candy's finest moments, for you to ignore the trifling historical inaccuracies
DVD Extras A Trailer - really shows off the unlimited potential of a DVD. DVD Extras Rating: 1/10
Summary
A perfect family film with plenty of inspirational scenes, humour and moments of John Candy magic. Great for a rainy Sunday afternoon.