Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Have you heard anything so silly in all your life? Jamaica fielding a bobsled team. Talk about an outlandish notion.

Really now, you need snow to bobsled, and just how much snow do they get in Jamaica? No. It does not snow on the island. It is a tropical paradise and not a garden for snow bunnies. They have sand. They do not have snow.

In fact, Jamaica did field a team in1988 at Calgary, and they have continued to compete in the cold weather sport. Before you laugh, consider that the Jamicans came out ahead of the U.S. in Lillehammer in 1994, and the U.S. does have a good crop of snow every year. While they may not be the frontrunners when it comes to bobsledding, the Jamicans fare just fine when it comes to the sled in a chute competition. Thank you very much.

In 1993 Disney came out with a movie based on the intriguing story of the Jamicans and the bobsled Olympic debut. Never let it be said that Disney does not spot and capitalize on a good story when they see one. Of course, they put that Disney slant on things, but one sure way to get the word out to the world is to Disneyize the story. Though “Cool Runnings” is based on the real “thing,” it is, of course, a fantasy flick. Fortunately, they did not ruin the spirit of the story and did not switch up the outcome.

In “Cool Runnings,” you have four guys from the island who decide to compete in bobsledding. Leon (Derice Bannock) comes up with this plan after he is tripped up in the sprint competition. Sanka (Doug E. Doug) is Leon’s best friend and is easily brought on board. Yul Brenner (Malik Yoba) and Junior Bevil (Rawle Lewis) also sign in the sand to take part in this rather crazy adventure.

You really can not field a team without a coach. Fortunately, Irv Blitzer (John Candy) just happens to be hanging out on the island. Irv was a champion bobsledder in his day, but he pulled a sneaky and is forever destined to be the bobsledder who . . . Yep. He was a bad guy, and this might be his one chance to redeem his name. Of course, he does not want to fool with this silly endeavor. Of course he does. Well, he is not sure, but he manages to get sucked in for the ride.

When the guys try to get backing, the money people on the island laugh like banshees. Really now, would you put your money on a bobsled team from Jamaica?

Never mind though. The guys continue to work the program in the sand and hustle for the bucks to fund the trip. If you build it, they will come. Or, if you work it, you will get off the island. No matter the analogy, the guys do, of course, make it to the bobsled competitions.

It is not easy sliding once the Jamaicans cross the snow divide. Though runners do make fast bobsledders, they do not take that well to the frigid temperatures. Showing up underfunded and having to beg a decent sled is not a good way to cement a bobsledship. Being the new kids on the block does not endear these sled pushers to the old guard. No. It is not an easy ride, but that is what makes it a fun slide.

This movie is quite popular and tends to garner rave comments. I will beat that drum for the most part. Certainly, this is a great story, and the message is one that is much needed today when it is often all about winning and without the heart part.

The biggest concern I have with the film is that the Jamaicans tend to be stereotyped excessively. I have had the pleasure of having students from Jamaica in class, and I know that these kids are way more than “hey mon” and “dreadlocks.” In fact, I have never had a student from Jamaica with dreadlocks. It certainly seems from watching this film that all island dwellers are smiling, singing, rather empty-headed dreamers. I would feel bad if my culture was portrayed in such a uni-dimensional manner. It may be good for tourism though, because you will see this film and figure that you will have no worries if you just get to Jamaica.

On the flip side, the Olympians from the cold countries are pitched as cold as ice. Again, I would rather see a little balance. Just because a country has the corner on the sport does not mean that they automatically play dirty to stomp out up-and-comers. But, well, hey, this is Disney. And, kids do tend to understand black and white better than shades of gray.

All in all, I would call this a good film with a good message. If you try hard enough, you can do anything . . . even field a bobsled team from Jamaica. It really is not all about winning. Sometimes the journey is the real lesson.




Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8