“Radio”

By Anne Navarro
Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- "Radio" (Columbia) is one of those fine family films that pushes all the right emotional buttons with its subtle performances and inspiring story, but, unfortunately, skimps on narrative substance.

The moving portrait of a friendship between a respected high school football coach and a mentally challenged young man in a small South Carolina town was written by Mike Rich, who was also wrote "The Rookie." Rich encounters the same problem here as in "The Rookie," namely, a good story that would have benefited from a tighter editing hand.

Director Mike Tollin was inspired by an article in Sports Illustrated magazine that told the story of James Robert Kennedy, a mentally challenged man in Andersen, S.C., who for more than 40 years has been an integral part of the town's high school sports program after he was befriended by Harold Jones, one of the school's coaches.

The movie's maxim is simple: One person can make a difference. In these days when apathy can get the best of any of us, it is a refreshing reminder that a good deed or even a kind word can be the pebble that sets off the ripple in the pond. The film's poignant story makes this a lesson that sticks with the viewer. Of lesser note, but nonetheless important, is the exploration of the bonds developed in connection with sports.

Hanna High School football coach Harold Jones (Ed Harris) is all about the gridiron. So it comes as a surprise to his family and friends -- and even to himself -- when he takes Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.) under his wing. Radio, so nicknamed because of his love of music and vintage radios, is a slow-witted young man who routinely pushes his grocery cart by the school's practice field. But one day, Coach Jones invites Radio to help out at a football practice. This one act has a huge impact not only on both men's lives, but on those around them.

The story has a by-the-numbers construct. The predictable narrative progresses from the key menacing scene of Radio's harassment at the hands of tough-guy football players (used to evoke audience sympathy and outrage) and the townspeople's protest (fearing that Coach Jones is losing his focus by spending his energy on Radio) to eventual acceptance of Radio (who has finally found his place in the community), including the few bumps in between. It is a tale in which the bad guy is easily identified, and every character sooner or later undergoes a change of heart.

However, performances are what make this film stand out. By speaking very little and keeping his gestures controlled, Gooding allows Radio to be more of a character than a caricature of a slow, odd man. But the real master is Harris, who fills the screen with his quiet but powerful presence and anchors the film. Harris elevates the film from run-of-the-mill "inspirational" to a grounded, affecting film. The supporting cast includes Debra Winger as Coach Jones' wife and Alfre Woodard as the school's principal; both are able to make more of their stock characters than is written for them.

The film does have one bothersome aspect in that there is the implication that Radio is being treated like a human mascot. However, the script corrects this and shows the true warmth the townspeople have for Radio as a person worthy of their affection.

Despite its imperfections, "Radio" manages to inspire and uplift, and the moviegoer leaves the theater walking a little taller, and probably wiping away a tear or two.

Because of a scene of menace and some crass words, the USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

* Navarro is a part-time reviewer in the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.