“Cool Runnings” is one of those films that isn’t really a Disney classic but still provides clean family fun. The historical accuracy of the story may not be precise (or even close) in relation to the actual 1988 Jamaican Bobsled Team, but the themes of hard work and perseverance ring true. I am probably the first person to coin the phrase “bobsled propaganda,” but it is fascinating how this film popularized bobsledding with kids growing up in the 90’s. We may not have ever tried bobsledding ourselves, but it became a favorite winter Olympic sport in my household because of this film. You do not need to look beyond the cast list to see why this film was warmly received by critics and families alike. The writers created a diverse group of characters and the casting directors successfully created this balance of serious (Leon), goofy (Doug E. Doug), intimidating (Malik Yoba), self-conscious (Rawle D. Lewis), and redemptive (John Candy). All of the actors play their roles well, particularly Candy in his last film released before his early death at the age of 43. “Cool Runnings” isn’t the greatest sports film ever made but with a lot of comedy, great casting, and Jimmy Cliff’s recording of “I Can See Clearly Now,” you can’t help but smile from start to finish. "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it's bobsled time!"
[Pictured: It's impossible to dislike bobsledding after watching this movie]
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