Remember The Titans

It’s Hard To Remember The Titans

Do you remember the titans? I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t, however in the sea of forgettable sports films with messages “Remember The Titans” rises above. Though it is based on a “true story” it is very loose with its source material but this isn’t a bad thing as it adds drama and characters to help get the message across. The score by Trevor Rabin, exceptional acting by Denzel Washington and Ryan Hurst and strong themes make “remember the titans” directed by Boaz Yankin, a great movie.

The story follows newly appointed head coach Boone being appointed head coach at the local highschool in Alexandria Virginia in 1971, where racial tension is high because of school integration. As head coach Boone and former head coach yoast (Will Patton) try to force the black and white athletes to integrate the coaches realise that to unite their team the coaches must put aside their pride and work together.

The themes in Remember The Titans like the movie itself are cliche but they are presented in a polished and complete way. In most sports movies that deal with race the message seems forced or half baked but writer Gregory Allan Howard pulls it off almost perfectly. The key word being almost as the time spent on the themes mean many of the character arcs are often rushed or grouped together. For example, Louie’s arch is introduced 20mins into the movie and we don’t see any of his development until the end of the film where his arch is concluded in one short scene.

Remember The Titans has some of the best acting of disney’s live action films yet it also has some of the most awkward extras. With the stellar performances by Denzel Washington and Ryan Hurst being bogged down by the robotic performances of minor characters like Emma (Kate Bosworth) and the hallway guy. Luckily these robotic performances are few and far between and can be easily ignored.

In Remember the Titans the music is used in a very interesting and unique way. Instead of just being background sound they use it to symbolize trust and bonding. In the bus at the start of the film the black students are told to be quiet by Julius(Wood Harris) because he doesn’t trust the white people enough to share their singing ,later as the team starts being a team they start singing songs together and their singing becomes a signature of their team to show they are a united front. By the time the film has finished “ain’t no mountain high” and “na na hey hey” they have anthems for the team.

Remember The Titans isn’t a masterpiece but despite its shortcomings it’s still a very enjoyable film with substance. If you like thought provoking movies and have two hours to spare, Remember The Titans is the way to go. BAZONGA!?!