The Express (2008)

The Express (2008) — also released as I'm Not Unlucky — is a stirring biographical sports drama about the life and legacy of Ernie Davis, the gifted African‑American running back who became the first Black winner of the Heisman Trophy. Set at Syracuse University from 1958–1962, the film follows Davis’s rise from promising recruit to national star under coach Ben Schwartzwalder, with the mentorship of teammates like Jim Brown. Against the backdrop of the growing civil rights movement, Davis confronts racism on campus, in town, and on the field, and his evolving relationship with his coach becomes a central emotional thread. Watching the movie you’ll get classic football excitement — tense game sequences, hard hits, and the thrill of championship seasons — mixed with quieter, character‑driven scenes that examine prejudice, moral courage, and the cost of leadership. The film balances inspirational triumph (a national title and the Heisman) with a bittersweet, tragic note that underlines Davis’s brief life and lasting impact. Expect a moving, period‑rich drama that combines athletic spectacle with social commentary and strong performances that make you root for the player and feel the era he lived through.

Actors: Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Clancy Brown

Director: Gary Fleder

Runtime: 130 min

Genres: Biography, Drama, Sport

6.5 /10 58 /100 7.2 /10 6.5 /10