Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share.
Today’s review is American Flyers
In my younger days (and soon again) I was quite the cycling enthusiast. I even competed on the semipro circuit placing modestly. I also took a 1200km route from Quebec City to Toronto in 12 days. Damn, I used to be in shape. And this is in part why I find American Flyers to be such an important film to me. But it also has a deep storyline that makes this exciting race movie more of a drama.
THE GENERAL IDEA
Sports physician Marcus (Costner) persuades his unstable brother David to come with him and train for a bicycle race across the Rocky Mountains. He doesn’t tell him that he has a cerebral tumor. While David powerfully heads for the victory, Marcus has to realize that the contest is now beyond his capabilities.
THE GOOD
They don’t candycoat the mechanics of the bike racing. In a lot of sports movies they change elements to make them more entertaining. Like Olympic figure skating with performance concert lighting (The lights are always on in competition skating) but we forgive it because it looks cooler. But Flyers managers to do keep the technicalities of the sport accurate to a tee and illustrates some of the strategies cyclists use to win a race.
The story is sincere. There are no story hooks that require forgiveness in it. Things happen for a purpose, there is no “convenient coincidences” to save the day. There is no miracles. There is drive, passion, and a brotherly bond. There are no pointless love interests. There is no hokey plot holes to serve the excitement of the sport. It is a great story that just gives you a real life relationship and none of the “hollywood baggage”
THE BAD
Kevin Costner is Costner. I really think that Costner is a fantastic actor when he wants to be, but typically he is just Costner. Which works out, because he seems like a really genuine guy and he plays the everyday joe very well. Costner loves his sports movies, and most of them tend to be “What if Costner was a pro ball player/pro golfer/etc?” this is no exception. People that don’t like Costner at all are not going to like this movie as it revolves entirely around him and his brother.
There are some actors I can’t stand them being the same guy, but Costner doesn’t have that affect on me.
OVERALL
The sincere storyline, great illustration of a brotherly love that we don’t often see in films anymore, and some real exciting cycling all contribute to a great film. I just love this to death because of my involvement in the sport. Still a great movie, even without all the Hollywood shine.
Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.
TV – Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent – Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy – So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!
So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest RENT! (It was a buy for me, but for different reasons. But safe to call it a Rent for anyone else)
