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Radio

Play trailer Poster for Radio PG 2003 1h 49m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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34% Tomatometer 121 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
In a racially divided town, coach Jones (Ed Harris) spots a mentally disabled African-American student named Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.) near his practice field and is inspired to befriend him. Soon, Radio is Jones' loyal assistant, and principal Daniels (Alfre Woodard) happily notes that Radio's self-confidence is skyrocketing. But things start to sour when Jones begins taking guff from fans who feel that his devotion to Radio is getting in the way of the team's quest for a championship.
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Critics Consensus

The story is heavy on syrupy uplift and turns Radio into a saint/cuddly pet.

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Critics Reviews

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David Germain Associated Press 11/12/2018
Gooding and Harris' characters are too pure and high-minded to exist in the real world. Yet the small-town sense of community and compassion they evoke is so goodhearted, the movie manages an amiable, if fleeting, rise in spirits. Go to Full Review
Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/28/2010
4/5
Lesson of kindness permeates inspiring true story. Go to Full Review
Ed Park Village Voice 10/28/2003
Based-on- a-true-story kitschfest. Go to Full Review
Justin Brown Medium Popcorn Feb 12
1/5
This is not a good movie. They might have tried to tug at heartstrings but those attempts are so obvious and poorly executed. Go to Full Review
Brandon Collins Medium Popcorn Feb 12
1/5
This was offensive on a bunch of levels. I didn't enjoy any of the performances and had no idea what this movie is trying to say... Go to Full Review
Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News 11/15/2019
It's a film that has good intentions, [but] it's just unable to deliver, mainly because Gooding is never believable. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Marco L @decatur555 1d Radio is based on a true story that should have been moving by itself: a football coach forms a bond with a marginalized young man and helps a town see him differently. The problem is that the film pushes too hard for easy tears. Ed Harris brings dignity, Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a committed performance, and there are a few sincere moments, but the movie often turns real human pain into a sentimental lesson. It touches on disability, prejudice, race and class, yet it rarely explores those subjects with real discomfort or complexity. Instead, it smooths everything into a warm, inspirational package designed to make the audience feel good. It is watchable and well acted, but too calculated, too soft and too emotionally obvious to be truly powerful. See more Anna H @Anna-halbert Jun 9 What a heart warming movie, thoroughly enjoyed See more Dave C @RT09838700 Jun 5 Love me a good sports story; a good underdog sports story; a good story about the inherent kindness and strength of humanity, and the hope that is found in all communities. This is definitely one of those. A true Sunday movie with wholesome writing, and solid performances See more Farah R. @Farah Jun 2 Radio is a well-crafted and touching drama anchored by Gooding Jr and Harris’ outstanding performances. Their convincing acting made it effortless to connect with their characters and find their story moving. The critics messed up on this one. See more Iphone U @Daisylou1346 Mar 7 Amazing film ignore the critics, so cute See more Kylie S @Kylie111 Jan 31 I love this movie so much it made me cry about 3 tho but it was an excellent emotional experience and I hope you enjoy See more Read all reviews
Radio

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Movie Info

Synopsis In a racially divided town, coach Jones (Ed Harris) spots a mentally disabled African-American student named Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.) near his practice field and is inspired to befriend him. Soon, Radio is Jones' loyal assistant, and principal Daniels (Alfre Woodard) happily notes that Radio's self-confidence is skyrocketing. But things start to sour when Jones begins taking guff from fans who feel that his devotion to Radio is getting in the way of the team's quest for a championship.
Director
Michael Tollin
Producer
Michael Tollin, Brian Robbins, Herb Gains
Screenwriter
Mike Rich
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Revolution Studios
Rating
PG (Thematic Elements|Mild Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 24, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 25, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$52.3M
Runtime
1h 49m
Sound Mix
Surround, DTS, SDDS, Dolby Digital