‘Radio’ a true feel-good movie

PEGGY J. ROGERS

The full page ads for “Radio” prominently featuring Cuba Gooding, Jr.

in the lead role of an emotionally arrested adult fails to adequately

capture who and what the film is truly about. Cuba deserves credit in

the film for embodying a young man with limited learning skills, but

his character, Radio, goes no further than being the catalyst of

events that unfold in a small town that worships high school

football.

Radio has the mentality of a young and very shy child. He’s so

afraid of others he gets around town using the back streets and

alleyways to avoid bumping into people. Most people who do cross his

path are just as eager to avoid him. For bullies, however, meeting up

with someone like Radio brings out the urge to terrorize and

humiliate them. When Radio is lured by some of the players on the

high school football team into a shed as a mean spirited prank

everyone’s lives are affected by the act. Both their behavior and

attitude is changed, starting with the person who finds and rescues

Radio from the shed.

Coach Jones’ (Ed Harris) dedication to football is unrivaled by

the players and the locals who faithfully support and cheer the team

on every game, every season. All his time and attention is given to

the game, until he befriends Radio and begins making him part of the

team. The players, their parents, the principal and even Radio’s

mother want to know why Coach Jones decides to become involved with a

stranger. Everyone feels strongly about Coach Jones and Radio because

it infringes on their own lives, their needs and their special

interest. Some even use bully tactics on the Coach trying to prevent

him from his course of action. The story proceeds to follow Coach

Jones as he maneuvers around the objections and obstacles the locals

put in his way.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to illustrate

the wonderful possibilities of the human spirit in everyday life.

It’s a feel good movie, about people you come to care about. “Radio”

draws from true events and brings viewers up to date on the

characters today. If you like sentimental movies add this one to your

list and take along some Kleenex.

* PEGGY J. ROGERS, 40, produces commercial videos and

documentaries.