Challenge the Wind

My review was written in July 1990 after watching the movie on Sell Entertainment video cassette.

"Challenge the Wind" commits the cardinal error of well-meaning family films: it's deadly dull. Best chances are in markets seeking squeaky-clean product.

Heavy regional accents punctuate the cast of this Arkansas-lened effort, headed by young Mark Whittington wh returns to his hometown to live with his grandparents. He wants to follow in his late dad's footsteps as a track star and gets added impetus when kindly grandpa (Jay Jones) cornily keels over with a fatal heart attack.

Cliched dialog often sounds like a recruiting poster. Absurd climax has Whittington forced to run to a track meet when his car breaks down and then he wins one for the gipper by delivering a speedy final leg to the team's mile relay race.

Flat, amateurish line readings hamper this modest effort.

I was fortunate enough to track down a copy of Challeng the Wind online. I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I was with young Mark Whittington's portrayal of Matt Harding. He tackled the role with such tenacity. I look forward to seeing Mark in future roles. His depth as a dramatic actor is unmeasurable. I highly recommend this movie to anyone with a heart.