By Geno McGahee
I often wonder by Cuba Gooding, JR., hasn’t made it to superstardom status. He seems to have all the qualities. He can do any genre and do it well and his movies are almost always quality films. I can only assume that he must be tough to work with.
In RADIO, Cuba Gooding, JR., plays the role of “Radio,” a mentally challenged man that roams the neighborhood, pushing a shopping cart with a fascination with the high school football team. When he gets too close, some of the players tie him up and terrorize him. Coach Jones (Ed Harris) rescues him and soon brings him onto the team.
Jones has to deal with the parents of the team protesting and the school board having an issue with Radio participating. He stays the course with Radio and they both seem to fill voids that each other has in their lives. Radio finally has a social outlet and people that care for him and Jones can exorcize a demon from his past.
The struggle continues at home as Jones attempts to connect with his teen daughter who feels neglected. This leads to a very touching moment that Ed Harris delivers incredibly well and sincerely. Harris is a great addition in this film and his relationship with Radio is believable and compelling.
RADIO is another film that proves the versatility of Cuba Gooding, JR. He created a character that is incredibly likable and distinct. You really forget that it’s Cuba playing the role. He became the role and it was an impressive performance.
I highly recommend RADIO. Both Harris and Gooding, JR., give memorable performances and the story is very endearing.
Rating: 8/10
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