THE BOYS IN THE BOAT – Review

As promised the onslaught of 2023 sports films marches, or in this case paddles, on. Hot on the heels of last week’s historical sports drama, comes this one based on a popular book from a few years ago. It’s not about wrestling, like Friday’s flick, but it is set in the past, though nearly fifty years before the Von Erichs. But there is an Olympic connection. This one concerns a larger team of young men defying the odds and overcoming hardship to go for the gold, rather than fame and fortune. Yes, the idea of “team” as in teamwork is essential to them as this particular sport depends on all those involved acting and reacting “in sync”. Otherwise, it’s a splash into the murky depths (or a nasty collision) for THE BOYS IN THE BOAT.

Actually, this film begins in the 1980s with a brief prologue of a grandpa’ advising his grandson on the nuances of canoeing. Cue the “fade out/dissolve” to the 1930s at the heart of the depression. In a junkyard next to a makeshift camp (perhaps they were still “Hoovervilles”), eighteen-year-old Joe Rantz (Callum Turner). studies for his college courses by lantern light in the back of a beat-up old jalopy which is now his home since he lost his mother after his father ran off. He’s doing well at the University of Washington, getting good grades, making friends, and even attracting the attention of a cute co-ed named Joyce (Hadley Robinson). Joe is somehow adept at hiding his homelessness until the college bills catch up to him. Due to the Great Depression, jobs are truly scarce. Then a buddy informs him that he can defray some costs by being part of the rowing team. At the tryouts, Joe and the other freshman are put through “the paces” by tough veteran head coach Al Ulbrickson (Joel Edgerton). Joe barely makes the team as Coach Al pairs the “junior squad” with a somewhat rebellious coxswain. Though Al is an inspiration, Joe forms a close bond with elderly boatbuilder George Pocock (Peter Guinness), more of a father/son relationship rather than a student/mentor. Slowly Joe and the team ‘click, and Al shocks the school by sending them to the big meets instead of the senior team. Despite their inexperience, they have a shot at competing in the Summer Olympics in Germany. But after barely scraping together enough money for the trek, will they take home the gold and glory when one of the team is stricken by an unexpected illness?

As the affable, stoic everyman at the center of the story, Turner gives real dignity and strength to the hardworking Rantz, making his intimacy with his mentor and girlfriend into powerful scenes in which he exhibits his vulnerability and inner heartbreak (the little boy inside still yearns for his folks). Edgerton is every inch the tough taskmaster as Coach Al, who is careful not to overpraise “his boys” but expresses his doubts and hopes in private with his assistant Tom Bolles (the engaging James Wolk) and his gorgeous wife Hazel (played with sexy humor by Courtney Henggeler). As Joe’s gal Joyce, Robinson is an energetic flirt as she tries to “wake him up” to notice her charms, then slowly becomes the rock of support he needs when the past catches up to him. But the film’s warm beating heart might be Guinness as the wise nurturing woodworker who gently passes on his knowledge and his way of living to the somewhat aimless young Rantz, acting much like a carpentry Yoda or Mr. Miyagi.

The film’s real coxswain. and head coach is director/co-producer George Clooney who captures the bleak look of a downtrodden 1930s America intercut with old-style mahognay-tinged academia. He’s most adept at telling the story with few cinematic flourishes, giving it the feel of a film from that era. But that’s part of the film’s problem as this true tale feels as though it’s been presented so many times and teeters on “inspirational sports film” cliches. There are the underdogs from RUDY, along with its “last chance at glory” coach from HOOSIERS, mixed with training montages right from CHARIOTS OF FIRE. It doesn’t help that the “big show’ at the 1936 Olympics seems tacked on scenes from 2016’s RACE with a fleeting cameo from Jesse Owens and flimsy Fuhrer imitator. Yes, since it’s based on a true story (and a best seller) we know the outcome, but even if it was fiction there are few surprises and little suspense (no virus is going to topple this team). Oh, the team members aren’t defined characters other than Joe and a shy guy who is a musical wiz. This all resembles a fairly glorified basic cable movie ( or a “special event” broadcast network “sweeps” flick). The look of the Northwest of 85 years ago feels authentic but it is not enough to send THE BOYS IN THE BOAT over the cinematic finish line.

2 Out of 4

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT opens in theatres everywhere on Christmas Day 2023