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The Express

(2008, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Darrin Dewitt Henson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Inspirational true story tackles race, football.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The entire film involves intense, extensive discussions of race in the America in the '60s, from segregation to "Jim Crow" laws to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s community organizing and marches. The symbols of the KKK and the Confederacy are seen on death threats. A character who has an athletic scholarship is reminded that, while football is nice, a college degree is even more important. The lead character's mother is flighty and leaves her son with his grandfather for several years. Much is made of the lead character's position as a role model and inspiration during the racially divided '50s and '60s in America. Discussion of terminal illness.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Extensive on-field football action/violence, both within the context of fair play on the field and cheap shots after the whistle's blown. Football players are pelted with trash, with the threat that an angry crowd may throw bottles. Some fistfights.
  • Sex:

    Some kissing and light undressing (blouse removed, underwear on) in the context of a long-term committed relationship. Discussion of interracial dating.
  • Language:

    Occasional strong language, including "ass," "s--t," and "hell." Extensive, constant, and strong racial language, including the "N" word, "spook," "negro," "black," and more; a football player says to the lead character: "I'm going to kick your black ass back to Africa." "Retard" is used as an insult.
  • Consumerism:

    Some logos visible, like Pepsi, Budweiser, Woolworths, Time magazine, and Ritz; characters sing a Pepsi jingle. Constant mention of universities and athletic teams like Syracuse University, Notre Dame, the UT Longhorns, the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Cleveland Browns, etc.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Beer is served.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Express

Parents need to know that this film -- which was originally rated PG-13 and was re-edited to earn its PG -- revolves around the issue of race in America in the '50s and '60s and is fraught with racial epithets and racist attitudes. There's also a certain amount of violence -- including hard-hitting football action and also dirty tricks like a coach directing his players to hit an opponent at the site of an injury. There's also some salty tough-talk from a football coach and depictions of the segregation and racial divides in the American South in the '50s and '60s.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the film's historical depictions of race and civil rights. How has America moved forward in the years since the era depicted in the film, when segregation and overt racism were rampant? How has it not? Families can also discuss the appeal of inspirational sports films. Are they a great way to explore history and human behavior, or an "easy out" for filmmakers thanks to their cliches and familiar moments?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    A Must See For Football Fans

    this is one of the best football movies i have ever seen,really good acting,great story and very entertaining.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    Better than most sports movies i have seen.

    This is a unique movie it reminds me of the movies Pride, and Glory Road, about teams over coming racial issues to become the best. The acting in The express is good in all except the main character. Im sorry but Rob Brown ( who plays ernier davis) is unbelievable and takes away from the inspiring story. Besides that i htink it was well directed and fun , and at the ned a bit sad.A great movie!

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Hard to watch the racial issues, but great story

    I almost always agree with the Common Sense ages, but I did take my just turned 10 and almost 12 year old to see it. We have a connection to Ernie Davis due to where we live so it is a popular movie here. I spoke with the my kids before as I knew the racial issues were strong in the movie. It disturbed me to watch but gave good discussion before and after the movie. I would not take any younger child to the movie due to the racial topic and violence associated with it. Make sure you know your 10-11 year old and feel they are ready for this. It was disturbing to mine, but he could deal. All older kids should see as it is a great teaching movie.

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