Run the Race: A Remarkable, Uplifting Redemption

Underrated and lower-end films rarely have an advantage. They don’t have the marketing power of their blockbuster counterparts, but what they sometimes do possess is a compelling story. Run the Race follows two brothers, Zach (Tanner Stine) and Dave (Evan Hofer) Truett. Both boys were high school football players until a severe injury halts Dave’s chance to play. The remnants of which still plague him. Now, it’s Zach whose life revolves around the game. He’s determined that with a scholarship, this will earn him and Dave a ticket out of their small town.

Their father, Michael (Kristoffer Polaha) hasn’t taken an interest in his sons for a while now. Ever since the death of his wife, Michael is no longer welcome at their house, and instead spends his days alone with a bottle. All the while, Zach moves farther and farther away from wanting his father in his life. Through trials and unexpected hurdles, staying in the fight becomes the thing that will reunite this family.

Run the Race (2019) Movie Review

I’m not much for dramas that don’t have a really solid story that ends well. This one I knew pretty much nothing about before renting it. I remembered reading about it pre-theater release, but other than this, my knowledge was null and void. The story is interesting, but does require a box of tissues, something I wasn’t prepared for.

Produced in part by a football player (Tim Tebow), the story has elements of faith that weave through it, though it’s never an “in your face” kind of message. The script keeps things unobtrusive, and still impacting. I like that the story manages to get the script’s value across in the subtle way it does. There’s a kind of redemption element that isn’t lost on me; and though it’s sad, the way it comes to be is even more emotional.

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The production of this film isn’t as good as some I’ve seen, but it’s not bad. Some of the acting comes across stilted at times, particularly in the beginning. Through the film, this seems to work through some of the awkward moments. The romance doesn’t work as well as I’d like, but I do appreciate that it’s a fun dating relationship over being anything serious, because the script isn’t a romance (in terms of genre). There is some recognizable talent in the cast like Frances Fisher and Mykelti Williamson; Kristoffer Polaha (from Hallmark) turns in a great performance, in a very different role than we’re used to seeing him in.

Sometimes the movies you don’t know anything about are the ones that deserve a second look. Run the Race isn’t a complex drama, but it knows what it is, and I appreciate this. It uses its platform to share a story, and it’s effective.

Content: There may be some minor profanity, there’s some tense situations, and thematic elements, but nothing worth noting. The film has a PG rating.