Finish: Endspurt bis zum Sieg

Rocky meets Canadian Heritage Minutes, so be thankful that it's not absolutely unwatchable. The underdog-friendly class consciousness is pervasive and fitfully amusing, although it's schematic and sentimental as well. Heroic rowing star/bootlegger Nicolas Cage is his usual dopey, wooden, charming self, and he has some lively moments, especially when he comes into conflict with the starched shirt types. Christopher Plummer's villainous manager is nothing to write home about, but even he transcends this material; in all other cases the costumes and hair seem to be doing all the acting. The frantically underlined Careful Research, and the general odor of educational intent, smother the valiant gestures at comedy, and the pricey period detail of the production design is wholly undermined by a dramatic arc that is pure 1980s bootstrap trash.

Found this to be a most fascinating film and a sport I wonder, if anyone does today?? Ned really had some fortitude to go forth and not be struck down by bullies, which obviously were in this profession back then. I believe he was awesome to become a Champion rower on 3 continents. Wonder if anyone in this class today can do as well? Its truly a workout to stay in shape for such competition. I believe Cage did an excellent job in this film even if he was only 22 years old!!

Nick Cage was only 22 when he made this period piece. Chariots of Fire (1981) must have been in the back of his mind. Ned Hanlon was not a big enough name to interest the viewer, and he was a naive young man. But it was a nice, but not remarkable movie. He did build his pecs up for this-- he always gets into his character.

It is a fun movie to enjoy as a rags to riches story. Some movies are just set for enjoyment. Some people relate to the circumstances of the character. Ned is given a chance to improve and showcase his talents. Youth has it's natural peaks and valleys but the hero will get discouraged. His mentor pulls him out of his funk with the hard work it takes to become a champion. The uphill battle for competition is evident, however; the class system of the time will need some humorous maneuvering. The introduction of the sliding seat is a game changer for the sport of sculling. Perfect movie for the Olympic season or NCAA inter-collegiate rowing championships. Brown holds the record of 7 titles. Yale and Harvard are traditional rivals while Texas holds the current title. Nicholas Cage will floor young and old with his trim, chiseled looks. Oxford makes the perfect Goliath.

He wins over many with just his smile and blue eyes, his storied acting career is just beginning. A Canadian hero story with a strong supporting cast of veteran actors.

If you row or are competitive you'll enjoy this movie, just don't over think it. (Worth the rent).

This is a fairly mundane movie.

A sports movie celebrating someone's achievement should feel like a celebration, this doesn't. Its not offensively bad or anything but fails to reach any great heights.

Cage may have been on Valium for this one!