Prefontaine

Director: Steve James

Writer: Steve James & Eugene Corr

Starring: Jared Leto, R. Lee Ermy, Ed O”Neill, Breckin Meyer, and Amy Locane

Rating: PG-13

Theatrical Release: January 24, 1997

Run Time: 107 min

Synopsis: Inspirational and entertaining, PREFONTAINE is another acclaimed success from the makers of HOOP DREAMS. It’s the true-life story of legendary track star Steve Prefontaine, the exciting and sometimes controversial “James Dean of Track,” whose spirit captured the heart of the nation! Cocky, charismatic, and tough, “Pre” was a running rebel who defied rule

s, pushed limits … and smashed records … in an incredible against-all-odds quest for Olympic gold! Now a major motion picture, the triumphs and heartbreaks of this unforgettable champion will have you riveted from beginning to end!

Just like Without Limits this movie follows the life of Prefontaine but with a little different perspective. The Disney Film tells the story from the point of view of the assistant coach who was with him day-to-day, Bill Dellinger (Ed O’Neil), and Prefontaine’s girlfriend at the time of his death, Nancy Alleman (Amy Locane). In this film like the other Prefontaine is still shown as headstrong and difficult to coach. Bill Bowerman (R. Lee Ermy) is a minor character and is shown as a more hard-line general look.

I have to say Jared Leto is the best part of this movie and like Crudup he gives “Pre” the charisma and charm of 1970s sex symbol and runner extraordinare. Overall I think Without Limits is the better film but it is always nice to see 2 sides to the coin and it is still an inspiring story for anyone, runner or not. Ultimately it is that inspiration that will lead those athletes from every country into the this year’s summer Olympics in Beijing.