“Ugh, please not another football movie,” was my first thought before seeing Remember The Titans. Ive about had it with macho actors showing off their fancy footwork in tight leather pants and bulky pads, with plots that exist only on a pre-mature level. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Remember The Titans had a lot more beef with a meaningful story and heartfelt performances.
Remember The Titans is a true story set in 1971, where a local high school is forced to deal with racial integration. In a time where emotions and ignorance run rampant, the simple love for football is the catalyst that brings this town together and racial tensions crashing down.
Denzel Washington plays Coach Boone, the newly instated head football coach of T.C. Williams High. His hard-nosed drill sergeant style and in-control tone make him a powerful force for the small Virginian town, both on the field and off. Every line is delivered with precision and coolness, making him intimidating at times and endearing at others. Not since his powerful performance in Hurricane has Washington shown such passion for a character. As the focal point of Remember The Titans, its Boone who faces racial prejudices head on, teaching his team and other community members the true meaning of self-respect and tolerance.
Although the message is sweet, and not in-your-face like many films centered around racial issues tend to be (imagine if Spike Lee had been behind the scenes? Sheesh!), producer Jerry Bruckheimer falls victim, once again, to overdramatizing. Why is it that just when you think something profound is about to happen, a powerful interlude of music bursts in on the scene, taking all the momentum away from the actors? Yes, music is a great way of invoking emotion, but has he ever heard of subtlety?
Not only that, but whats the deal with the token big-mouthed kids that are obviously used to promote the cute factor? This films guilty player is Hayden Panettcere, who plays Cheryl Yoast. Yes, shes cute, but her active presence in practically every scene is more of a hindrance than an emotional vehicle. Her character is more of a blatant manipulation tactic to make filmgoers laugh. In all honesty, the film has plenty of genuine comical moments that should be left alone. Not only that, but I question her real-life role in the story. Undoubtedly things have been altered for the sake of movie-telling, and I think the character of Cheryl is one those that should have been left on the cutting room floor.
All in all, Remember The Titans explores the issue of racial contention with honesty and emotion. Its lead characters (minus the pig-tailed know-it-all) hit on the humanistic chords that make the Titans a team worth rooting for.
+ Ashley Adams
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