Cool Runnings

Jamaican athlete Derice Bannock is determined to run in the 1988 Olympics, but his dreams are dashed when he trips during a qualifying run. But his dream is rekindled when he discovers that an Olympic gold-winning bobsled champion (played by John Candy) lives close by. Hoping bobsledding will give him a second chance at Olympic participation, Derice convinces the old champion to coach Jamaica’s first bobsled team.

After forming a team, Derice realizes his farfetched plan will be an uphill battle. Being Jamaican natives who’ve never even seen snow, he and his team struggle to get used to the freezing temperatures that come with the icy sport. The journey also makes Derice question why he wants so badly to compete, and how his desire may be tangled with his sense of self-worth.

Cool Runnings is a feel-good underdog sports comedy that showcases the power of determination while acknowledging that gold medals don’t determine one’s worth. It’s rated PG and is family-friendly.

Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes
Rated PG
USCCB rating: A-II
76% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDb Parents Guide
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