044 Cool Runnings (1993)

Retro Grade Podcast

FEEL THE RHYTHM! FEEL THE RHYME! GET ON UP, IT’S BOBSLED TIME!

On this week’s episode of Retro Grade Podcast, we wanted to commemorate both the Winter Olympics happening in Beijing, and Black History Month. And there’s only one film that we can think of that fits the bill: Cool Runnings, the 1993 Disney Classic. It’s loosely based on the Jamaican Bobsled team that went on to compete in the 1988 Olympic games, and their journey from being ridiculed by everyone, to representing their country on the grandest athletic stage.

Being remembered by many as a classic sports film, including our very own Austin, how does the film hold up after being out for almost 30 years? With the little representation that Jamaica receives in the United States, does the film do it justice or does it fall short by leaning into racial stereotypes that America has had about Jamaicans? With none of the lead actors having been born in Jamaica, how do they play their parts, and are they a positive representation of the people of Jamaica, and of the real bobsledders that competed in the 1988 games?

We talk about the story and screenplay, mainly focusing on how strictly the story follows the real-life events that inspired it (hint: not very closely at all). And what creative liberties the filmmakers choose to make to bring the film to life. This aspect of the story was actually the reason many filmmakers passed on the project, with many not knowing how to combine the real events with contemporary Hollywood storytelling techniques. We also focus on the main characters, and how their writing and performances were so great, we can see how their story has stood the test of time and will continue to in the coming years.

So pack up your snow gear and flip flops, because on this week’s episode we’re going to be taking a round trip to both Jamaica and Canada, as we talk about Cool Runnings.

Enjoy!
Music is from Triune Digital and audio clips pulled from movies we will be reviewing in other episodes.

Artwork by @jannelle_o