“On the track there is no black or white there is only fast and slow”-Jesse Owens

“Race” is the biographical film of Olympic runner Jesse Owens and his struggles as he runs against the Nazis in Germany and fights race relations back home. Through it all, he is mentored by his track coach Larry Snyder.

Jason Sudeikis gives a great performance as Snyder, breaking out of his comedy shell and showing us that he can be a serious actor.

One character that stole the movie for me is Carl “Luz” Long, the opponent Owens faces in the long jump. The character is given depth showing that he doesn’t agree with the Nazis and gives advice to Owens. The character is portrayed by David Kross, and he gives one of the best performances in the whole movie.

The cinematography is spectacular giving you a sense of being at these areas both in America and the Olympics in Berlin. The shots put you into the world and when the track events begin you feel as though you are running with Owens as he shoots for gold.

The film does have some problems, though. The film ironically is very wildly paced, sometimes being slow and other times feeling as though it is sprinting through plot points and key events. Stephen James who plays Owens is mostly good but at times feels wooden and flat

Jeremy Irons plays Avery Brundage the fifth president of the International Olympic Committee who helped make the Americans compete in Berlin when many didn’t want to compete.

Irons and his character are dry, annoying and unbelievable. He only has one motivation — himself —  and I could could insert different characters from similar movies into the part and it would be better.

“Race” is a film that gives the story of Jesse Owens and it stumbles but redeems itself in some of the acting and the cinematography.

I give “Race” a 3.5 out 5.