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The Express

Play trailer Poster for The Express PG Released Oct 10, 2008 2h 9m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 120 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Born into poverty, Ernie Davis (Rob Brown) overcomes many obstacles to get into Syracuse University's football program. Under the guidance of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), Davis becomes one of the school's best players, even surpassing Jim Brown's achievements. In 1961 Davis becomes the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy, but there is one more obstacle in his life that he must overcome.
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The Express

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Critics Consensus

The Express crosses the goal line as an inspirational sports drama, although fans of the genre will recognize many -- if not most -- of its clichés.

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Critics Reviews

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William Thomas Empire Magazine While never as trailblazing as its subject, The Express is a worthy addition to the lengthy canon of sports biopics. Rated: 3/5 Dec 5, 2008 Full Review Wally Hammond Time Out The sports-movie template is capable of absorbing any story and delivering the same uplift. Rated: 3/6 Dec 5, 2008 Full Review Wendy Ide Times (UK) Full of stirring speeches and manly chins quivering with emotion, every frame is a cliché. Rated: 2/5 Dec 5, 2008 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The formulaic presentation and stereotypical structure to this motivational sports drama doesn't provide an appropriately engaging platform to tell Davis' story. Rated: 6/10 Nov 28, 2020 Full Review Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) Administers a strong dose of well-earned outrage at what men of colour had to go through to get to places their white counterparts reached with ease. Rated: 3/5 Sep 11, 2020 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com The always dependable Charles S. Dutton turns in another fine performance. Rated: 3.0/4.0 Sep 7, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Would have worked better if presented more as a Biopic than as a Sports Drama. It's good, with all of the typical clichés you'd expect, but with the dose of positive change and overcoming challenges that just make it all feel good! Overall, an insight into Davis and his huge achievements. Imagining what more he would have done if he'd lived longer, is a humbling thought Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Man's inhumanity to man is seen in all its ugliness! I didn't know Mr. Davis' story. The US has So much restitution to make up for! One man of the 2020's took a knee for all of us! He took it for Davis to thank him for his efforts in the 1950's-1960's. We all have to do our part! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review r b This was a great film with a very well told inspiring and tragic true story. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review robert p A fairly good movie about the football team!!! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member An extraordinary football film with Dennis Quaid as a great coach and Rob Brown as a great player. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Liam R One of my Favorite Films. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/02/20 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

The Express

The Express: Official Clip - Ernie Davis Collapses The Express: Official Clip - Ernie Davis Collapses 1:31 The Express: Official Clip - Winning The Cotton Bowl The Express: Official Clip - Winning The Cotton Bowl 3:57 The Express: Official Clip - Ernie Davis Meets Floyd Little The Express: Official Clip - Ernie Davis Meets Floyd Little 2:48 The Express: Official Clip - Jim Brown Scouts Ernie Davis The Express: Official Clip - Jim Brown Scouts Ernie Davis 1:53 The Express: Official Clip - Syracuse vs. Texas Longhorns Cottonbowl Game The Express: Official Clip - Syracuse vs. Texas Longhorns Cottonbowl Game 2:50 The Express: Official Clip - Football Players in Love The Express: Official Clip - Football Players in Love 2:51 The Express: Official Clip - There Won't Be Another Ernie Davis The Express: Official Clip - There Won't Be Another Ernie Davis 3:42 The Express: Official Clip - Ernie & Sarah The Express: Official Clip - Ernie & Sarah 1:44 The Express: Official Clip - The Heisman Trophy The Express: Official Clip - The Heisman Trophy 3:18 The Express: Official Clip - Ernie Davis' Stand The Express: Official Clip - Ernie Davis' Stand 3:05 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Born into poverty, Ernie Davis (Rob Brown) overcomes many obstacles to get into Syracuse University's football program. Under the guidance of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), Davis becomes one of the school's best players, even surpassing Jim Brown's achievements. In 1961 Davis becomes the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy, but there is one more obstacle in his life that he must overcome.
Director
Gary Fleder
Producer
Adam Coplan, John Davis
Screenwriter
Charles Leavitt
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Davis Entertainment
Rating
PG (Language Involving Racism|Brief Sensuality|Thematic Content|Violence)
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 10, 2008, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 11, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$9.6M
Runtime
2h 9m
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