Schama's 'American Future' sure to please history buffs
By Bob Bloom
Lafayette (Ind.) Journal & Courier
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A story about a pioneering black athlete, a dark thriller and an examination of the United States were released on DVD this week.
The lowdown: A sports biopic about Ernie Davis, the Syracuse University running back, who was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, but whose career and life was cut short by leukemia.
The movie tackles the racism Davis faced and the bond he formed with his coach, portrayed by Dennis Quaid.
The film was thrown for a loss at the box office. It was produced for $40 million but earned a measly $9.7 million upon its release on Oct. 10. Overseas, it took in a paltry $14,696.
Critics liked it, giving the movie 62 percent positive feedback at Rottentomatoes.com. Randy Cordova of The Arizona Republic, wrote, "It's such a naturally compelling tale that one wonders why it hasn't been filmed before."
The DVD features a very sharp digital transfer.
Don't miss: A making of featurette; a discussion about Davis' life with, among others, football legend Jim Brown; a behind-the-scenes on filming the football sequences; a commentary track; and a tribute to Davis.
The lowdown: Mark Wahlberg scowls through this dreary drama about a cop seeking the killer of his wife and child and stumbling upon a series of mysterious murders that may be connected.
The movie, produced for $35 million, invaded multiplexes on Oct. 17. It earned $40.6 million domestically and another $44.1 million overseas.
Critically, it was drubbed, receiving an 18 percent positive rating on the tomatometer. Commenting on Wahlberg's performance, Claudia Puig of USA Today, wrote, "You can't help but wonder where the fine actor in 'The Departed' and even 'Invincible' has gone."
Don't miss: A downloadable digital copy of the movie is included as are supplemental features that look at the making of the movie, an animated graphic novel and a commentary track.
The lowdown: Simon Schama, professor of art history and history at Columbia University, uses the election of Barack Obama as president to look where the country has been and where it is going.
The two-disc set includes an introduction filmed by Schama on Nov. 5, the day after the presidential election.
History buffs will find the show, which features a sharp digital transfer, of interest.
Don't miss: No extras.
