Radio DVD Review

"RADIO" reviews

DVD

RADIO

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2005-10-26 11:16:33

Provider

DVD Review

Cuba Gooding Jr. plays James 'Radio' Kennedy, a mentally disabled man who gets his nickname from the portable radio he permanently carries. Living in conservative Anderson, South Carolina, the local community are suspicious of Radio but after being tormented by some high school football players the team's coach Harold Jones (Ed Harris) takes Radio under his wing. As the friendship between the pair deepens, so does Radio's good-natured influence on the team.

This is one of those films which is just so sweet and icky you'll want to hate it, but you'll find that difficult to do. In the title role, Cuba Gooding Jr. rediscovers the form which has deserted him since Jerry Maguire. He underplays the part with simplicity and innocence, while Ed Harris provides a masterly portrayal of compassion and patience.

Sure, the film has it's shortcomings, but one of it's major plus points is the fact that it's a 'sports' film which doesn't need a grandstand finale to keep us enthralled. In short if you're looking for a film free from cynicism, spite or anger, then Radio should fit the bill.

Extras include a director's commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes and filmographies.