The Express
A gifted Syracuse running back confronts racism and institutional resistance while pursuing football greatness alongside a changing America.
Overview
A powerful story of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- inspirational
- earnest
- dramatic
- sports movie night
- history film viewing
What critics said
Critics found the film involving and inspirational, with appealing performances and energetic football sequences, while noting its reliance on familiar sports-drama clichés.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ernie Davis's football career becomes a visible challenge to racial prejudice on campus, in town, and on the field.
The relationship between Ernie Davis and Ben Schwartzwalder drives the film's emotional and moral conflict.
Davis's rise at Syracuse unfolds alongside prejudice from teammates, opponents, and the surrounding community.
Critics specifically praised the film's energetic football sequences and first-rate game footage.
Films like The Express, and why
Remember the Titans
inspirational sports drama centered on racial prejudice, mentorship, and athletic achievement
Glory Road
biographical college sports drama combining civil rights themes with team competition
42
true-story sports drama about an African-American athlete overcoming institutional racism
Movie Details
- Director
- Gary Fleder
- Release Date
- 2008-10-10
- Runtime
- 130 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (302)
Cast
- Rob Brown
- Dennis Quaid
- Darrin Henson
- Omar Benson Miller
- Nelsan Ellis
- Charles S. Dutton
- Justin Martin
- Justin Jones
- Nicole Beharie
- Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Express about?
- A gifted Syracuse running back confronts racism and institutional resistance while pursuing football greatness alongside a changing America.
- What is The Express like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Express as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Express violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Express as mild.
- What did critics think of The Express?
- Critics found the film involving and inspirational, with appealing performances and energetic football sequences, while noting its reliance on familiar sports-drama clichés.
- Which films are like The Express?
- Films with a similar feel include Remember the Titans, Glory Road, and 42.
- How long is The Express?
- The Express runs 130 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Express?
- In United States, The Express is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
