The Express

I am a sucker for feel-good sports films. Whether it's "Hoosiers", "Rudy" or "Glory Road" - there are many "true life" stories that are ready-made for inspirational exploitation - and therefore enjoyed by sentimental saps like yours truly.

"The Express" is one of them.

Directed by Gary Fleder of "Things to Do in Denver While You're Dead" fame, this chestnut of sports history follows the amazing and ultimately tragic story of Ernie Davis, the first black football player to win the Heisman.

While no adaptation stays entirely true to the story - often leaning on sentimentality - I'd didn't mind it in this film. The trademark rising music, historical montages and soft lighting didn't detract from the fact that this was a well-paced and solid story.

No Oscars here (although Dennis Quaid plays a good coach), but good fun nonetheless.