This TNT original takes place in 1965 and deals with themes of racism, courage, conviction, and hypocrisy. The movie communicates important values without disintegrating into didacticism. Homicide star Joseph Verett plays a Baltimore priest who steps into a Louisiana Catholic school as a history teacher but who soon becomes coach of the school's basketball team. A white priest, who founded and dedicated his life to the school, has been petitioning to integrate the basketball league, but his cautious quest is not bold enough for the new Father. Instead, Verrett's character teaches his players to value truth above peace and courage above safety.
The movie treats religion respectfully, although the religious element is considerably understated given that priests who participated in the Civil Rights movement were motivated largely by their religious convictions. The acting on part of all of the actors is exceptional, particularly the performances of Joseph Verrett and Sean Squire, the latter who plays the team's star.
Running Time: 94 minutes. Released 1999. Not Rated.
Radio
This is an uplifting, bitter-sweet drama about the power of the human spirit. Though some may look with condescension upon the sentimental, it's refreshing, from time to time, to watch a movie that reminds us of the virtues of humanity rather than its vices. It is reassuring to be reminded that people are capable of learning and changing. Even if that change may--in movieland--sometimes seem unrealistic, it can remind us of more complex positive realities.
Radio tells the story of a mentally slow and illiterate young man (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) who is befriended by the local high school football coach (Ed Harris). Radio, so called for his love of radios, becomes a kind of mascot for the school. He ends up inspiring the teachers and students and townsfolk because the way he treats people all of the time "is the way we wish we treated each other even half the time." If you liked Remember the Titans, you will probably like Radio.
Running Time: 109 minutes. Released 2003. Released on DVD 2005. Rated PG.