Review of Downhill Racer

In this country, every four years, our nation participates in the Winter Olympics. The finest athletes from every state strive to be chosen as part of the U.S. Olympic Team. Together they represent America. The pride of our nation accompanies these men and while abroad, our hopes and our dreams go with them. The scenic Winter Olympics are the idyllic backdrop for this film which is called " Downhill Racer. " The title role for this movie went to Robert Redford who plays David Chappelet. He is arrogant in his abilities, his performances and his skills which promise the future. Few doubt he will win a Gold Medeal. However, Eugene Claire (Gene Hackman) his coach is concerned Chapplet is a 'Hot Dog' racer, fast, but prone to accidents and unpredictable. Furthermore, he is not a team player. Instead he believes he can win without the rest of his companions. This presents a problem for Claire and America's top athletes who work to be a cohesive unit. At home and on the slopes, he must decide if he's capable of winning the Gold, but for whom, himself, his teammates or his country? The speedy downhill action sequences are beautifully crafted and the storyline is followed faithfully. An exceptional movie for the wishful, armchair athlete in all of us. ****