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Editorial Reviews
Inspirational and entertaining, PREFONTAINE is another acclaimed success from the makers of HOOP DREAMS. It's the true-life story of legendary track star Steve Prefontaine, the exciting and sometimes controversial "James Dean of Track," whose spirit captured the heart of the nation! Cocky, charismatic, and tough, "Pre" was a running rebel who defied rules, pushed limits ... and smashed records ... in an incredible against-all-odds quest for Olympic gold! Now a major motion picture, the triumphs and heartbreaks of this unforgettable champion will have you riveted from beginning to end!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 49 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Steve Prefontaine, a record setting middle distance runner, won all his races against Americans. He led his race in the 1972 Olympics but faded to fourth by a breath. He died in a car accident (drinking was involved, but to what degree is debated) in 1975 at the age of 24. All admit that he wasn't the perfect physical specimen for a runner, but he was gritty and tenacious and would not give anything less than everything he had.
You would think it would be hard to come up with a full length bio pic about someone who died at 24. Yet, in 1998 there were TWO films that came out about his life. One from Disney and the other from Warner Brothers.
The Disney Film tells the story from the point of view of the assistant coach who was with him day-to-day, Bill Dellinger and Prefontaine's girlfriend at the time of his death, Nancy Alleman. It has a good cast with Jared Leto as Prefontaine, Ed O'Neil as Bill Dellinger and R. Lee Ermy as Bill Bowerman. Siskel and Ebert reviewed it and gave it two thumbs up.
The Warner Brothers release was produced by Tom Cruise and told from the point of view of Bill Bowerman with Dellinger as a minor character and Mary Marckx. In this film there is no Nancy Alleman and Mary is his girlfriend all the way through. Bowerman is played by Donald Sutherland and is given guru status. In both films, Prefontaine is shown as headstrong and difficult to coach. Bowerman did remain active with the Oregon program and with Prefontaine after his retirement.
In both films, Prefontaine is shown as a powerful and hard charging runner who also loved to party too much and had troubled relationships with his young women. The fans love him and his fame is correctly portrayed as is his loss at the '72 Olympics.
Since the accident occurred while Prefontaine was alone in the car no one can be certain how it happened. Both films have him swerving from a second car, but the Warner film shows the rock face that the car climbed and caused it to flip on top of the runner and crushing him. He was alive when first found, but the person could not flip the car alone and by the time they got back he was gone.
Prefontaine continues to inspire young runners and people who believe that testing your limits and giving all you have is important to living and understanding your life. That these tests are a kind of art that you create for yourself and are a kind of honesty that few actually experience (even though it is open to all).
Both movies are good, and you have to decide if seeing two films about such a short life is needed, but there is certainly much worse fare shown every night on TV and at your local movie house.
You would think it would be hard to come up with a full length bio pic about someone who died at 24. Yet, in 1998 there were TWO films that came out about his life. One from Disney and the other from Warner Brothers.
The Disney Film tells the story from the point of view of the assistant coach who was with him day-to-day, Bill Dellinger and Prefontaine's girlfriend at the time of his death, Nancy Alleman. It has a good cast with Jared Leto as Prefontaine, Ed O'Neil as Bill Dellinger and R. Lee Ermy as Bill Bowerman. Siskel and Ebert reviewed it and gave it two thumbs up.
The Warner Brothers release was produced by Tom Cruise and told from the point of view of Bill Bowerman with Dellinger as a minor character and Mary Marckx. In this film there is no Nancy Alleman and Mary is his girlfriend all the way through. Bowerman is played by Donald Sutherland and is given guru status. In both films, Prefontaine is shown as headstrong and difficult to coach. Bowerman did remain active with the Oregon program and with Prefontaine after his retirement.
In both films, Prefontaine is shown as a powerful and hard charging runner who also loved to party too much and had troubled relationships with his young women. The fans love him and his fame is correctly portrayed as is his loss at the '72 Olympics.
Since the accident occurred while Prefontaine was alone in the car no one can be certain how it happened. Both films have him swerving from a second car, but the Warner film shows the rock face that the car climbed and caused it to flip on top of the runner and crushing him. He was alive when first found, but the person could not flip the car alone and by the time they got back he was gone.
Prefontaine continues to inspire young runners and people who believe that testing your limits and giving all you have is important to living and understanding your life. That these tests are a kind of art that you create for yourself and are a kind of honesty that few actually experience (even though it is open to all).
Both movies are good, and you have to decide if seeing two films about such a short life is needed, but there is certainly much worse fare shown every night on TV and at your local movie house.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Randy Given
Format:DVD
This movie is great for those interested in running as a competitive sport. My prime running years developed during Prefontaine's peak years, so I was one of those keenly aware of his abilities and influence. I was sad to hear of his untimely death. This movie helped remind me of that time period and how much of an impact he had on long-distance running. It was also good to see Frank Shorter in the movie (another giant from that time).
The actors were good and the cameos by actual characters were really good. The running was realistic and fast-paced. Even some of the true cross-country scenery was included, which is not often seen these days.
The movie keeps flowing, which might have been hard for a topic that is usually laid-back. I was glad that the movie focused on the topic and did not fall for the typical Hollywood glitz that tries to cover up reality. The emotionality (the triumph and the defeat made popular by ABC at that time) is brought into new light for viewers who may have considered running a dull sport. I know it certainly got my adrenaline flowing again. Go Pre, Go!
23 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By Nelson Aspen
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Running fans will enjoy this Jared Leto bio pic, but other audiences will probably find it an often hoaky "mock-umentary," with some of the worst dialogue and Hair/Makeup effects in modern film drama.
Fortunately, I fall into the first category so I was engrossed with the story of the famed runner Prefontaine. The story improved considerably in the second half, when archival footage and the dramatic events of the Munich Olympic games unfolded.
Jared Leto does a good job, even with all those wigs and spirit gum. Amy Locane seems to be phoning in her performance from a parallel "Melrose Place" universe.
Prefontaine's moving and inspirational story, this proves, should/would be best told through an actual documentary production rather than relying on a dramatization.
Fortunately, I fall into the first category so I was engrossed with the story of the famed runner Prefontaine. The story improved considerably in the second half, when archival footage and the dramatic events of the Munich Olympic games unfolded.
Jared Leto does a good job, even with all those wigs and spirit gum. Amy Locane seems to be phoning in her performance from a parallel "Melrose Place" universe.
Prefontaine's moving and inspirational story, this proves, should/would be best told through an actual documentary production rather than relying on a dramatization.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring!
I love this movie. I've seen it several times and it always makes me want to go run. I think Jared Leto does a great job as Pre. Read more
Published 23 days ago by LJAlex
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good movie, Not great
The family liked it, it had a little "B"movie feel but the main actors were good. I'd like to see a better movie about an iconic figure.
Published 1 month ago by Gerald J Whitmer
5.0 out of 5 stars
One very good motivational movie
I am not going for the gold :) but I have a running routine. So when is cold and rainy, and I feel a little lazy I watch 5-10 min of this movie just so I can get the boost. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kalina the one
3.0 out of 5 stars
It was a good rendition of Pre's life, but personally, I thought the...
It was a pretty good rendition of Pre's life, but personally, I thought the other version "Without Limits" was better.
Published 1 month ago by Frank A
4.0 out of 5 stars
Avid Runner
I read this book quickly. It held my attention but that could be because I really liked the movies. I found the book a bit short in length but good to read. Remarkable person.
Published 1 month ago by PB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie!!!
My wife and I loved this movie. I had seen it years before on television and had always wanted it. In my opinion it is a must have!!!
Published 2 months ago by lonnie kessler
4.0 out of 5 stars
What a Story
This is a great story about a reat runner. I enjoyed the movie, well cast, and drew me in. Not my normal type of movie to watch, but all the same, it was really good :-) . . . . Read more
Published 2 months ago by Derek Fitting
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rate this move as great
This movie was good from beginning to end - I would recommend this to anyone who likes to watch movies based on a true story
Published 2 months ago by Terry L Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate Movie Review! [...]- @tss5078
While there seem to be many different opinions on weather or not the facts in the film are accurate, the fact remains that this was a fantastic movie that perfectly illustrated the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Todd Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie
Liked this movie very much. Would recommend it to anyone interested in sports or just anyone! It will keep you interested all the way.
Published 3 months ago by Caroline Fellows
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