Cool Runnings

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When it comes to "feel-good" films, this is a title that's at the top of my list, and has been for quite a long time now. And yes, part of that is, predictably, nostalgia. But there's so much more to this than just a movie I love from my past. This is one of those movies I like to put on if I need cheering up, if I need inspiration, or often, if I'm simply bored. Of course, the presence of John Candy always helps because you simply can't not like that guy.

As sunny winter approaches in beautiful Jamaica, a sprinter named Derice Bannock (Leon) is in the training process to qualify for the 100 meter race in the 1988 Summer Olympics. During the qualifying sprint, he, and fellow athlete Yul Brenner (Malik Yoba) are tripped when a young runner named Junior Bevil (Rawle D. Lewis) falls during the race. This disqualifies all three of them. But when Derice vents to President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Barrington Coolidge (Winston Stona), he picks up on a potential chance to qualify for the '88 winter Olympics, if only he can get disgraced ex-coach Irving Blitzer (Candy) on board.

With the help of his best friend, Jamaican push cart derby champion, Sanka Coffie (Doug E. Doug), they seek the help of Irving, who they learn lives on the island. At first, Irv is reluctant, but nevertheless arranges a meeting for any Jamaican athletes who wish to become the first Jamaican Bobsled Team. Soon, Derice, Sanka, Yul and Junior end up being the necessary team of four. The rest of the story does play out pretty much as one might expect, with a couple of differences - this inspires in ways far beyond being good at sports, and the way the film ends, without going into too much detail, is actually quite refreshing.

What I do love about this one though is a bit of a list. I'm not gonna say it's the "perfect movie" or anything, but there's a certain something about it. There is a short list of movies that I have in mind that, when they end, I am left with a sense of warmth and happiness. Some of these (just personally) include 'Soul' and 'Love, Actually'. Usually there's something that stands out significantly about it on a personal level. 'Cool Runnings' does it with each of its characters, who match this thing I like to call the "Formula of Four" (and to be fair, credit goes to "Cracked - After Hours" for that one.)

Concerning the "Formula of Four", basically it's a concept we've seen in a lot of different things like 'Ghostbusters' and 'Ninja Turtles'. You have a leader, or heart - a sort of lawful good character (Derice); you have the comedy relief (Sanka); you have the brain, or the little guy (Junior); and finally, you have the "other guy" - often a hot-head of sorts, but also often just the cool one in the group, or sometimes even "the audience" (Yul). For me, especially in re-watches of it, I try to take into account the subtle lessons these guys learn along the way. The big one is simply "don't give up", but there's more in here like "follow your dreams" and "stand up to your parents once in a while".

This one is a timeless classic, almost guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face. It should also be pointed out that a big part of this has to do with the Jamaican team being ridiculed for trying something they couldn't possibly be familiar with. They were further ridiculed for... let's just say other things... and quite honestly, John Candy delivers one of my favourite lines here, addressing the issue. As much as I watch this for laughs and a good time, I should also note that there's a few things here and there that need to be seen and heard today. This is a lot of fun to watch, sure, but I daresay it's also somewhat important in today's society. And honestly, that goes for more than just the racial issues the film addresses.  

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