4 Minute Mile (2014)

Genre: Drama

Directed by: Charles-Olivier Michaud

Cast: Kelly Blatz, Richard Jenkins, Kim Basinger

Running time: 96 minutes

Drew is a smart teenager and a very good runner, but, ever since his father died when he was a kid, his life has been going downhill. His older brother, Wes keeps implicating him in his drug deals. Coleman, a neighbor who used to be a great athlete but is now a lonely old crippled drunk, sees something special in Drew as a runner and decides to take him under his wing.

This is a charming little movie. It does not take itself seriously or get too dramatic, and the acting is good. No over-the-top chewing of the scenery here, just a sincere portrayal of characters who feel real. Richard Jenkins, who I have seen in many small roles in the past, truly shines here.

In a way, the ending felt kind of predictable, somewhat reminiscent of Gran Torino. It felt like a mixture of the Eastwood gem with a Disney movie made to tug on your heartstrings. Yet, the filmmakers had a compelling story to tell and did so in very good fashion. The tone of 4 Minute Mile is well balanced, touching enough to make you feel something without getting overly sappy.

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