Movie Trailer: The Express

Yet another African-American first put to film. This time its the story of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Listen, good for Mr. Davis, sure he's a great guy and congrats on his historic achievement, but as a culture can we put this Civil Rights navel gazing away already? How many African-American firsts in sports do we need have movies about? If we're going to dip back fifty years to study the racism of previous generations, why do we need to concentrate on sports? Is it Hollywood can't conceive having Africans excelling in areas of real importance? No, don't bother with Thurgood Marshall, Ralph J. Bunche, Hiram Revels, or Congressional Medal of Honor winner William H. Carney, we're going to stick with football.

At least this one appears to focus on the black man instead of his white coach. Its common with Hollywood Civil Rights movies for the focus to fall on the brave whites who stand up for their black pals (see Glory Road for a good example). I can't say this trailer doesn't do much to impress. Dennis Quaid isn't exactly the sign of quality and as I've said, the topic is tired.

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Screenwriter: Charles Leavitt (Blood Diamond)
Director: Gary Fleder (Runaway Jury)
Actors: Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow), Clancy Brown (Highlander), Darrin Dewitt Henson (The Last Stand), and Charles S. Dutton (Gothika)