Loved It! A Must See!

Rating: 10/10 (12 October 2003)

I just wanted to let everyone know that this is a GREAT movie. Do not pay attention to those that have only seen the trailer and think they know the entire story. Last night (10/11/03) I took my family and we went to the `sneak preview' outside of Atlanta. I have seen many movies in my life but only a very few that had standing and clapping at the end of the movie. Radio had both! People in the audience were clapping near the end at a couple touching scenes and then the entire audience stood and clapped at the very end. It was absolutely amazing. Something you rarely see happen at most movies these days. Oh, I know those out there that are not into heart warming and touching movies will not like it and probably have some things in the movie they'll attempt to pick on. If you are into those special effects, computer generated, explosive scenes and non-stop action then Radio is not for you. Radio is a story that is told brilliantly! It is a story to be absorbed and enjoyed with both the heart and mind. It is one that will stick with you for a long time after leaving the theater unlike the action-packed thrillers and ordinary comedies that seem to dominate the movies these days. It is truly about time that someone made a movie of this caliber. Some will attempt to compare it to other films but in reality it stands alone by itself in all areas. It is a must see!
The only `bad' thing I can say about the movie is that I believe it should have been longer, if you call that `bad.' They should have taken more time and revealed to the viewer more about the character Radio and his relationship with others by having more scenes with him interacting with people. Of course they had a few scenes like that but the true understanding of how the majority was feeling about Radio was conveyed to the audience in talk by the Coach and others instead of more action. More scenes would have made the movie longer but I believe it would have helped in making the audience actually understand the feelings of students and others toward Radio through site and actions instead of talk. The only `bad' thing is that I wanted more!
I have met the real life Radio and Coach Jones. Some critics will find it hard to believe that there is actually a real life person like the Radio that is portrayed by Cuba Gooding, Jr. I am here to tell you that there IS one and he is as sweet and magical as the character in the movie. To the credit of the real life Coach Jones everybody likes Radio and looks for him at every game. The movie may not be exactly true to the life of each character but remember it is `based on a true story.'
You will NOT be wasting your time or money by going to see this feature. If you have feelings and are willing to take an hour and 40 minutes to watch and absorb, you will be glad you saw this movie. Caution to those that are truly tender hearted.take some tissues.