Parents' Guide to Tracktown

This coming-of-age film (of sorts) treads in familiar territory but explores it through a surprising prism -- the life and work of an elite runner -- making for a quiet-but-charming movie. Pappas, an accomplished runner but not a natural actress, isn't exactly at her best as a thespian, but Plum is a character we don't often see in movies of this genre. Plus, to Pappas' credit, she did co-write the script and co-direct the film. Tracktown's world is truly fascinating, peopled by obsessives who are gifted with otherworldly talent and ruled by schedules, mileage, and odd rituals (a raw egg downed every single morning upon waking, frequent naps in an altitude tent).

It's a lonely life in many ways, and regimented, too, but Plum is such an interestingly drawn character that a predictable story no longer feels predictable. Still, it's over-indulgent: First, not many of the cast members are particularly good actors (save for Andy Buckley and Rachel Dratch as Plum's parents), and although it's fun to see real-life Olympians make cameos, only the most committed track fans are likely to appreciate the athletes' best attempts at acting. The story also gets a bit sluggish as it makes its way to the finish line. And, surprisingly for a film about an elite runner, there isn't really enough about track and field itself, which is disappointing. But Eugene, Oregon, is gorgeous: It will beckon to audiences for a run and a visit, no question.