"The Boys in the Boat" Review

 

by John Zenoni

George Clooney has more than proven himself as an actor, spokesperson, producer and director, having been at the helm of many films including ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’, ‘Leatherheads’, and ‘The Ides of March.’ His latest film, ‘The Boys in the Boat’, is by no means a classic or masterpiece but it is a pleasant, feel-good movie that is an enjoyable watch.

The film is based on the true story of the University of Washington junior row team that competes for - and gets - a spot in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. At the center of the story is young Joe Rantz, abandoned by his father during the Depression and having to raise himself, who learns of a chance to earn money by taking a spot as one of the men on the row team. We watch to see what he goes through and learns about himself and others as he grows during the tryout and competition. It's a solid performance by Callum Turner as Rantz and the rest of the cast does a good job as well. Interesting story about the Olympics that I was not familiar with and enjoyed seeing played out on the big screen.