Movie Review # 761: Radio (2003)

Well, everyone, today, we review a biography of an African American man who ended being one of the more extraordinary people in American history, maybe even history period. The movie stars Ed Harris, Cuba Gooding Jr., and other people. Presenting to you all my review of the 2003 biographical sports drama film, Radio!

Plot: Radio chronicles how a 23-year-old mentally disabled African American named James Kennedy (Cuba Gooding Jr.) became extraordinary when he walked into the life of Coach Harold Jones (Ed Harris), his family, high school football team at T.L. Hanna High School, and the rest of the community in Anderson, South Carolina. It portrays how James was nicknamed “Radio” after Coach Jones sees him like a radio, and how Radio would change the lives of many people in the community from there.

Wow, first of all, what an excellent story to make into a movie. I’m not sure how much of a Christian aspect there was for James Kennedy, and the whole community surrounding him in real life. Regardless, there are plenty of underlying messages that can be seen from a Christian perspective throughout the course of this film. I mean to have James Kennedy/Radio getting scorned by people who chose to not understand him at first, and then for some of those people to have a change of heart slowly, but surely, wow, what a great way of showing how, by the work of the Holy Spirit, people can in fact have a change of attitude, and heart towards other people that may be different from them. And yes, because of there being one, or two where you see our main characters coming out of a church service, it would seem likely maybe there was more of the Christian, God-like loving aspect to this story than was portrayed in this film. But what do I know? You get me! Anyway, this film, like films such as Remember The Titans, and The Rookie, does well with portraying what life was like for the main characters, and the supporting ones that were in this film. Anyway, this movie is more than just a sports movie. It is a film that truly touches on tough subjects such as learning to love on, and care for those with disabilities, and other kinds of people that we may not always know, or understand, how to love on from time to time. And yes, it would say that, to a degree, it may briefly touch on subjects like racism, and learning to see things from another person’s perspective. Hmm! How interesting that a Disney animated film by the name of Brother Bear would be released a week after this movie, and touch for sure on the subject of perspective taking, eh? Also, a lot of people will find themselves relating to any one of these characters for one reason, or another. Yeah, when a movie is able to reach to anyone, it makes the film work even more. And Radio hits just that very goal. Anyway, there is a fantastic score by James Horner. Now, I will admit that in past movies that he scored in like Jurassic Park, Casper, The Land Before Time, and Hook, his score almost seems recognizable, and can tell that it’s him scoring for a movie. That doesn’t seem to be the case this time around. I’m not sure if that’s because Horner used different instruments to compose his score this time around, or something else. Well, whatever the case may be, his score seemed more distinct from other movies that he scored for in the past. Finally, after people see Radio, more people will then be reminded of why it’s important to love others, and show compassion for those who may be mentally challenged, have disabilities of any kind, you name it.

And that’s my review for Radio. Wow, watching this film again years later, it is definitely better than I remembered. I’m not sure how many people remember this movie from when it came out back in 2003. One way, or another, this is a film that is worth seeing not only because it appeals even to some things that happen in the world even today, but also because it serves as a reminder as to why we need to show more love, care, compassion, and everything that goes with them when it comes to showing the love of Jesus to others. Anyway, if you haven’t seen Radio, as well as want a film that is classified as a drama film, but also incorporates comedy from time to time, then all the more reason to see this movie. Plus, how can you go wrong with good casting, especially with actors like Ed Harris, and Cuba Gooding Jr.? Well, give Radio a watch, and see what you think!

Final Rating: 10/10