Gooding and Harris manage to pull off noteworthy performances.

Rating: Null/10 (12 November 2003)

The new film `Radio,' although saturated with sentimentality and clichés, is a heartwarming winner of a movie! I fell in love with it for so many reasons. One, I actually liked its conventionality, perhaps because I was seeking something light, yet mildly meaningful. Two, the film had a beautiful score by composer James Horner. Lastly, great performances from Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Ed Harris.	`Radio' was inspired by the true story of James Kennedy, a mentally challenged, African-American man from Hannah, South Carolina. In the film, James (Gooding) pushes a cart with a radio and a few other possessions around the town. When he passes the high-school football field, he is noticed by Coach Jones (Harris). Jones is curious about the young man as he constantly stares at the football players as if he wanted to be one.
One day, Jones offers James the opportunity of helping out the team with various activities. Also, Jones notices that James' one true passion seems to be for a radio in Jones' office. Jones lets James take it and the young man soon becomes known as Radio.' Although unappreciated at first for causing a few fumbles at games and yelling out plays, he becomes an inspiration for many in the community. He teaches them to see the person inside, rather than the flaws on the outside. There are so many standard ideas in `Radio' that it would not be surprising if many elitist critics completely shun it. To them, I say get off your high horse! You have to loose yourself with a film like this and appreciate it for what it is. Harris plays Jones in a traditional format-he's the coach who has forgotten he has got a family. The film takes place in a small town where the local yokels' meet at a barbershop to discuss the win or loss. What is more? Everyone eats Burger Kingall the time it would seem. My point is that simplicity can be the best course of action for a movie. It was not necessary to go over the top with `Radio' and try to cover new ground. It is lovable for what it is. The score composed by Horner is wonderful. Along with the resonant voice of India Arie, the music adds an emotional kick to the film that few other film composers can grasp like Horner. Point in fact, if a director wants to drive his audience to tears with music that pulls at their heartstrings, then hire Horner. His work on such films as `Glory,' `Apollo 13,' and `Titanic' are equally engaging. Gooding and Harris manage to pull off noteworthy performances. Gooding provides a whimsical, yet heartfelt projection of the real Radio. Harris's performance is an expectation that you can always count on as excellent. We admire his portrayal of Jones and his love for Radio. Radio and Jones become the equivalent of a father/son dynamic. As such, you find yourself loving both of these characters for their willingness to help each other learn something greater about themselves. The most important aspect to take away from `Radio' is that showing a little bit of love and attention goes a long way. Jones says at one point, `Radio treats us all the time, the way we wish we treated each other half of the time.' I admire that notion. I admire because it is a part of the fabric of every human to offer care and respect, although it does not always happen. Either way, the simplicity of that notion, as well as the genius of it can not be denied. ***