Cool Runnings

A Happy Life Movie Review

Some movies show you how to live a happy life, some inspire you to live a happy life, some make you happy by watching. The movie Cool Runnings does all three.

The movie is loosely based on the real life story of the 1988 Jamaican Bobsled team. Filmed in both Jamaica and Calgary, Canada, the photography is colorful and beautiful. The music score won the 1994 BMI music award and features a mix of reggae and orchestral music. If you are looking for a collection of upbeat, happy tunes, the soundtrack from Cool Runnings is a good choice.

But what really makes this an outstanding happy life movie is the story. The main character, Derice Bannock, has been training for the Olympics his whole life, but fails to make it due to an unfortunate accident during the trials. When he protests the end result, he learns that his father- also a sprinter and an Olympic gold medalist, was friends with a bobsledder who thought sprinters would make good bobsledders. He approaches his father's old friend, who is less than enthusiastic.

Through the story, Derice's irrepressible spirit, optimism, creativity, and idealism carry him through. This character is a wonderful model for a happy life. The other characters are equally as strong, showing humor, a joy of life, the self confidence to be who they are proudly, and the willingness to work hard to rise above poverty and low opportunity. The characters face ridicule from the other athletes, discrimination from the Olympic committee, and strong divides within their original team. Initially, their common goal of going to the Olympics is all that unites them, but gradually, through team work and shared trials they develop tolerance and respect for each other and themselves.

Although the movie covers seriously inspiring themes, it does not take itself too seriously. Doug E. Doug brings a strong comic influence in the character of Sanka Coffee, and his goofy antics keep the film light and entertaining. Cool Runnings is the epitome of a happy life movie. It makes you laugh and cry. It is inspiring, models happy behavior, and feels good all the way through.

In my opinion, it is one of the best happy life movies of all time. Check it out for your happy life.

By the way, Cool Runnings means Peace Be The Journey.

You might also like these movies that model happy behavior:

Happy Go Lucky. A Happiness Story Movie Review

Pursuit of Happyness. A Moving Film About Poverty, Love and Happiness

The Tale of Despereaux. More than a fairytale

Cool Runnings. A true story of the Jamaican Bob Sled Team

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