Films capture real-life sports drama
In collaboration with Rotten Tomatoes, the Chronicle presents the critical consensus of 10 notable recent sports films based on true stories. “Race,” starring Stephan James as Olympic hero Jesse Owens, opens Friday nationwide.
61% Concussion (2015)
Starring Will Smith as Bennet Omalu, the doctor whose findings on brain trauma in football sent shock waves through the sport, “Concussion” lands a solid, well-acted hit on its impressively timely subject matter, even if its traditional sports-drama structure is a little too safe to deserve a full-on dance in the end zone.
80% McFarland, USA (2015)
Disney’s inspirational sports-drama formula might be old hat, but “McFarland, USA” — a biopic of high school cross-country coaching legend Jim White — proves it still works, especially with a talented director and eminently likable star in the mix.
88% Foxcatcher (2014)
A chilling true-crime drama based on the strange case of wrestling enthusiast John E. du Pont, “Foxcatcher” offers Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum a chance to shine — and all three of them rise to the challenge.
17% When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
A biopic of high school football coaching legend Bob Ladouceur, “When the Game Stands Tall” is an uneasy blend of solid game sequences and threadbare inspirational sports-drama clichés.
62% Million Dollar Arm (2014)
Pleasant to a fault, “Million Dollar Arm” is a middle-of-the-plate pitch that coasts on Jon Hamm’s considerable charm as sports agent JB Bernstein without adding any truly original curves to Disney’s inspirational sports formula.
89% Rush (2013)
A sleek, slick, well-oiled machine, “Rush” is a finely crafted sports drama with exhilarating race sequences and strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl as rival race-car drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, respectively.
79% 42 (2013)
“42” is an earnest, inspirational and respectfully told biography of baseball great Jackie Robinson, though it might be a little too safe and oldfashioned for some.
94% Moneyball (2011)
Director Bennett Miller and star Brad Pitt (as Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane) take a niche subject and turn it into a sharp, funny and touching portrait worthy of baseball lore in “Moneyball.”
46% Soul Surfer (2011)
Bethany Hamilton’s reallife tale is truly amazing and inspiring, which is why it’s unfortunate that “Soul Surfer” drowns it with waves of Hollywood cheese.
90% The Fighter (2010)
Led by a trio of captivating performances from Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams, “The Fighter” — based on the life of of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward — is a solidly entertaining entry in the boxing drama genre.