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 Radio
By Kellie MacDonald
Release Date: October 24, 2003
Starring:
Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris
Co-starring:
Alfre Woodard, Debra Winger, Sarah Drew
Directed by:
Mike Tollin
Genre:
Drama
MPAA Rating:
PG for language and thematic elements
Minor Profanity, but
Uplifting Messages in Radio
This PTC Seal of Approval
winner features amazing performances and wonderfully uplifting themes and
messages, but because of some language and slightly unsettling content, this
film is best for teens and adults.
I knew that I was
going to love Radio from the moment I saw the film's trailer. I cried.
I cried hard. I cried great cathartic sobs of joy. If being introduced to
James Robert "Radio" Kennedy and Coach Harold Jones' story for 60 seconds could
elicit such a response, imagine being fortunate enough to watch their
relationship unfold on a movie screen for 90 minutes. Even better, imagine them
as an integral part of your life, as witnessed by the lucky people of a small
South Carolina town where the unique relationship between Radio, Coach Jones and
an entire community has flourished for decades. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris
lovingly bring the lives of these two amazing men to the screen and give
performances that should earn them Oscar nominations. One award that this
amazing film can count on is the PTC Seal of Approval, which the
Parents Television Council is happy to award to Radio. This film is
geared for teens and adults and is guaranteed to become one of your favorite
films of 2003.
 Radio is
based on the true, although unlikely relationship between a poor,
mentally-challenged man and the prominent football coach of a small,
football-crazy town. Coach Jones befriends James Robert Kennedy who is not only
mentally challenged, but is also poor, black, and illiterate in racially-charged
South Carolina in 1976. The coach mentors the friendly, yet friendless man and
allows him to become a manager of the football team. Under the guidance of
Coach Jones, Radio flourishes and for the first time, attends school and
eventually becomes a well-loved member of the community. In reality, the
relationship began in the 1960's, and today, Radio is still an honorary high
school junior at Hanna High School.
Unlike other
sports movies, Radio shows that it isn't necessary to win the "big game"
to find value in athletics. Director Mike Tollin, explained, "sports are a way
for people on the margins to find acceptance, to find community and to find a
place of self-respect." Radio demonstrates that sports can bridge gaps
between old and young, black and white, able and challenged, rich and poor. The
movie dares the viewer to look past initial impressions of people and to take
risks on those who might otherwise go overlooked.
 Radio has
been given a PG rating from the MPAA for language and thematic elements. But
beyond the mildly offensive content, Radio contains wonderfully uplifting
themes and messages. Because of his differences, Radio is teased and tormented
by a group of football players. The wrongdoings of the boys are punished, but
one boy continues his efforts to embarrass, humiliate, and get Radio in
trouble. Radio "turns the other cheek" and eventually, the boy becomes one of
Radio's closest allies. Foul language in Radio is limited to three uses
of the word "crap" two uses of "hell," and one football scene where Coach Jones
uses the explicative "chickensh*t." The coach uses the word after a
controversial call by a referee, and Radio mimics the coach and yells the phrase
several times. Later, Coach Jones chastises himself for his verbal faux pas.
The friendship
between Radio and Coach Jones blooms after the coach rescues Radio from a group
of football players who were tormenting him by taping his hands, feet and mouth,
locked him in a metal shed and threw footballs at it. In another scene, one of
the boys convinces Radio to enter the girls' locker room, despite Radio's
insistence that he isn't allowed in there. Radio's momentary entrance into the
locker room alarms several girls who are modestly dressed in towels and gym
clothes. In the film, a death occurs, and several of the film's characters are
extremely upset. Because of some language and slightly unsettling content, this
film is best for teens and adults.
 Radio is a
truly exceptional film. The performances by Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris are
heartfelt and in my opinion, are Oscar worthy. Co-stars Alfre Woodard, Debra
Winger, and new-comer Sarah Drew are inspiring and Drew gives an especially
moving and poignant performance as a Coach Jones' daughter. She longs for a
close relationship with her busy coach, but unselfishly sacrifices it, knowing
that Radio needs Coach Jones' attention more. Radio is destined to
become a classic; it presents positive messages about families, respect,
acceptance and love. For its exceptional messages, clean delivery, and
wonderful quality, the Parents Television Council has proudly awarded Radio
the PTC Seal of Approval.
Family Movie Reviews
The Parents Television Council -
www.parentstv.org
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