Race the Sun (1996) User Reviews

Another chance to see Halle Berry

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 14 April 2007]

OK, not the greatest movie in the world, and the outcome is fairly predictable, but it was another opportunity to see Halle Berry, and I cannot pass that up. Besides that, I am trying to get my teaching certificate, so I watch teacher movies, no matter how silly.

I understand that it is also based upon a true story.

In addition, it also featured Eliza Dushku (Buffy, Tru Calling), Casey Affleck (brother of Ben), and James Belushi.

It wasn't memorable, but it was cute and not a total waste of time. Also, it was written by Barry Morrow, a member of the Association of Retarded Citizens, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Austism Society of America - a lifelong advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. That puts him solidly in my camp as I am also a member of NASW and work with the developmentally disabled. Morrow won an Oscar for writing Rain Man.

Would have liked it better without the added predictable formula add-ins.

[rogerlovlie · 5/10 · 17 August 2012]

Would have liked it better without the added predictable formula add-ins. Loosely based on the Konawaena high school team. In 1989, the High School formed a team of students, faculty and community advisers. Using a grant from the State of Hawaii, the team built a final vehicle that won a three and a half day state race against five other schools. As a result of the victory, the State of Hawaii funded the team for the 1990 World Solar Challenge, a 2000 mile race from Darwin to Adelaide, Australia. The team placed 18th overall winning the World Champion high school division. The first high school to officially finish the World Solar Challenge. I give it a 5 only because they added enough non-factual elements to make many viewers unaware of the true story behind it.

Fine, for what it is

[Boyo-2 · 6/10 · 26 February 2001]

The theme for this movie is as old as the sun itself, but that does not prevent the viewer from caring about the outcome. The movie is harmless (think "Rocky" on wheels) and has a great cast, all of whom give it their all.

I wouldn't run out and buy a copy but you get to see some great young actors and some nice Australian scenery.

Nice - if that's a compliment

[bob the moo · 1 August 2001]

I only watched this cause I noticed Halle Berry in it. However it was a "nice " film, with a "nice" story and a "nice" moral....it's just so nice! It's not great and it's all been done before but it's reasonably enjoyable while it's on. You'll forget it after an hour though

Filmed in my town, actually did enjoy it!

[cturle · 5/10 · 5 June 2006]

when this movie was being filmed on the streets of my Town, Broken Hill. i believe it's the scene where the main kid is offered a bribe and hes sitting under a statue. This movie was a Big Thing and when released they played it for about two and a half months....i seriously thought it was an awesome movie. and saw it three times. but now looking back i realised that it is just a regular story of the lowest rising up to the top. so its regular stuff yet pretty entertaining. mainly cause i knew what "Road Trains" meant. all in all it was an entertaining film. Halle Berry did very well, yet it was just a money spender all the same

Nice Little Film

[aimless-46 · 7/10 · 21 May 2007]

For curious movie buffs, "Race the Sun" is a blend of "Breaking Away", "Walkabout", and "Summer School"; making it quite unique and considerably better than its rating. It's neither ambitious nor technically brilliant; in fact the cinematography somehow manages to NOT capture the inherent scenic beauty of a series of Hawaiian and Australian locations. But the casting and directing are solid and the story has so much charm that you don't mind it being corny and predictable.

Halle Berry and James Belushi play teachers at a Hawaiian technical high school who reluctantly sponsor a team of students building a solar-powered car. "Race the Sun" was inspired by a group of Hawaiian students who actually entered the World Solar Challenge in 1980. The film would have been better if the cartoonish corporate villain had been replaced by some actual scientific explanations and a bit of background on the race itself. Speaking of cartoons, the solar cars look like something out of "Wacky Races" but there is no sign of Penelope Pitstop in this entertaining race.

The school is in Hawaii, which makes for some interesting cultural details (as does the race's Austrialian setting), but for viewer identification purposes the settings could be anywhere.

Thankfully the film avoids a couple of obvious traps. Berry and Belushi end up liking and respecting each other but there are no obligatory romantic sparks between them. Likewise for Casey Affleck and Elisha Dushku-who plays his step-sister.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Boring plot, bad characters

[alexis-368-973240 · 3/10 · 12 May 2012]

Interesting idea for a movie: An out-of-this world science fair project being put to the test. However, there are too many events in the movie. There always has to be some kind of issue or dilemma every five-ten minutes, making the movie very tiring to watch. Solar cars are cool, but a full-length feature film about making one doesn't strike me as interesting. The main character cannot work with the rest of the team (annoying) and there is too much DRAMA. I have no doubt that other movies have been made about THE ULTIMATE COMPETITION or WHO IS GOING TO WIN THE TROPHY. Too many movies have used this kind of plot and there is nothing new. There are no interesting scientific facts either about electric cars that make the movie unique.

The ending is predictable and the acting could use some work too.

Meh, delivers expectations...

[insomniac_rod · 6/10 · 25 November 2007]

What else could you expect about a movie with such a silly plot like this?. Well the truth is that you can expect light entertainment filled with predictable situations, not-so likable characters (except Halle Berry as the charming teacher, and the sexy Eliza Dushku), and silly situations.

Keep in mind that this movie was made for children so it's only directed for a younger audience.

I caught this one out some years ago on cable and I had mindless fun. I didn't expect much as it aired at morning so nothing else was available. Still, it isn't that bad. Watch it if you like Halle Berry or Eliza Dushku or if you want some silly entertainment.

Awful, just awful

[JHMM13 · 1/10 · 3 January 2004]

Predictable at every turn. Horrible at every turn. You get hit with a one-two punch of predictable and horrible. Halle Berry isn't even good in this movie. This should have been a spoof of the REAL movie they should have made about this subject. Not like it's a real subject anyway. Awful.

* out of *****

Predictable but harmless.

[gridoon · 6/10 · 12 October 2001]

This movie is utterly, drearily predictable, but it's pretty harmless as well. You've seen this story many times before, and seeing it once more won't hurt, since it's reasonably well-told here. The enthusiastic cast helps a lot, and Halle Berry.....well, let's just say that she's a feast for the eyes. (**)

Nothing you won't find at 3 in the afternoon on telly.

[vincentgeorge-98430 · 4/10 · 28 October 2018]

Race the Sun gives us the expected heaping of inspirational speeches and heartwarming moments. All the problems are resolved, the good guys come out on top, the bad guys are given their comeuppance, and everyone flies home to live happily ever after. It's enough to make anyone sick, but that's Hollywood when it comes to this sort of artificial, unimaginative, feel-good story. Surprisingly, the most flat performances are turned in by leads Berry and Belushi, both of whom are apparently on hand just to pick up checks. Belle's Beecher is disgustingly perky and Belushi's Machi is boring. Skip.

Very entertaining and funny

[israelyang · 8/10 · 30 June 2003]

The funnest line in the movie I think is when Steve Zahn says There is a God, then... Well to me it's not really predictable and many times I thought that's yes something new happens, so it never ran out of surprise. I had fun watching it. And my, Gilbert's character is such a whooly-wooly.(meaning, herlarious)

A decent film, worth renting at least

[lynxravenraide · 7/10 · 18 April 2007]

When I first saw the film I found it to be interesting, especially since it is set on a famous race. Story isn't bad, a bit of fun as an Australian seeing Americans deal with the conditions here ("What's a Willy Willy?""I don't know"), kind of a fish out of water situation. My only bone of contention is the settings for filming. I am disappointed as a former South Australian, that they didn't use the proper locations of Alice Springs and Adelaide, instead using Broken Hill and Sydney respectively, and I also have a feeling they used Sydney International for the Darwin airport. Also, another inaccuracy, the race is actually run along the Stuart Highway, which is sealed for its entire length

Not so much Halle's movie

[Musiq_One · 19 April 2004]

The opening begins with Halle as Sandra Beecher fleeing from a broken marriage and setting up new in a working class section of Hawaii.

The English teacher takes a job as a Science teacher and at this point I'm thinking "Dangerous Minds: Hawaiian Style." The classroom is similar a working class neighbourhood, run down school and disruptive kids. But Ms Beecher, who takes the lead in the first quarter of the movie tries to inspire the kids and butts heads with James Belushi's Frank Machi. The experienced engineering teacher.

The rest of the movie really belongs to the kids. After a clash between a rich school at a science fair Ms Beecher makes the kids go to they are inspired to build a solar power car to race in and earn their school a better rep. Leading this pack is outcasted, because he's white, ambitious Daniel Webster superbly played by Casey Affleck and the heartwarming, Gilbert a standout character played by J. Moki Cho (who unfortunatley does not have much of a filmography at this point). Roped in is the troubled sister of Daniel, Cindy with a solid peformance by Eliza Dushku and a whole host of other characters each one memorable and stand out. Together they build their hopes, learn from each other and not too sound cheesy but they really do race the sun.

This would have been a great family film had it not been for the language. But if that doesn't put you off then I would suggest watching it with them. It really is a a good solid movie. I watched it over a week ago at 3am because i couldn't sleep but it still has stuck with me.

Watch it for Halle and Eliza!

[LebowskiT1000 · 7/10 · 1 December 2002]

There is nothing terribly original here, although the specifics are rather original. This is just your typical under-dogs-prevail type of movie, but it's got some interesting twists and turns here and there.

I'll admit, the main reason I wanted to see this film was for Halle Berry and Eliza Dushku. Both Halle and Eliza did a fine job with their roles, a good performance. James Belushi did a great job with his role, as usual. Casey Affleck did a pretty good job, no complaints there. Steve Zahn is usually a good actor and very funny, but his comedy is stripped to a minimum in this film and he presents a so-called German accent (quite annoying). In any case, it was cool to see him in the film anyway. The rest of the cast was ok, nothing spectacular, some good some bad.

The bulk of the characters were done pretty well and were fairly interesting. Although, I have to say that I didn't like the characters of Marco (Dion Basco), Eduardo (Anthony Ruivivar), or Luana (Adriane Napualani Uganiza). They all just seemed very typical and contrived, also they were all unlikeable people, even at the end.

If you're looking for a good family film, you could do worse. If you're a fan of any of the actors, then you may want to give this film a look. ...Or if you're just interested in seeing some of nice scenery in Austrailia, give this film a look. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the film, thanks for reading.

-Chris

one too many supervillain

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 3 December 2023]

English teacher Sandra Beecher (Halle Berry) takes over the science class at Kona Pali High School in Hawaii. Nobody expects much from these lower class kids and she takes them to a science fair. Jack Fryman (Kevin Tighe) represents a solar company which entered a private academy into a solar car contest. His son Steve Fryman (Joel Edgerton) is a classist jerk. Daniel Webster (Casey Affleck) is the artistic student who suggests entering the competition. His stepsister Cindy Johnson (Eliza Dushku) joins the team. Sandra recruits disillusioned shop teacher Frank Machi (Jim Belushi). In a surprising turn of event, they win over the expensive academy for a chance to race in Australia where Hans Kooiman (Steve Zahn) is the rich high-powered baddie.

This is a based-on-a-true-story story. The true story is probably interesting enough. There is no need to add so many supervillains. Steve Zahn is unnecessarily ridiculous. Kevin Tighe is perfectly fine as the lone supervillain of the movie. As often is the case, it's always interesting to see these familiar faces when they were younger. Of course, everybody has seen the younger Dushku in True Lies. I was not expecting Edgerton and he's a great jerk. This could have been great, but it insists on doing too much.

Noticed one mistake

[battagliam · 7/10 · 11 September 2018]

I enjoy watching the movie. It's good to see a group of students who were seemed not very smart, enter a race with some of the smartest college students in the world and finish the race. However I did notice one mistake. The hat that Jim Belushi is wearing has on it USS Clark AD-28. AD-28was USS Grand Canyon which entered WWII close to the end of the war. Other than that I really enjoyed the movie, especially Halle Berry. She is so beautiful.

Very enjoyable indeed.

[Enoch-3 · 10/10 · 2 October 1998]

'Race the Sun' is a very enjoyable movie indeed. The story of overcoming adversity and succeeding to overturn stereotypes is given a new application here through the across-Australia solar challenge. The young cast does an attractive, appealing job, and are extremely good to watch. So too are the on-location shots in outback Australia which are nothing but superb. The music is also extremely apt and provide a fabulous atmosphere for the film. A great family movie. 8 out of 10.

Enjoyable but dubious Australian accents.

[startide · 25 September 2000]

The worst thing about this movie is the accent the American producers obviously thought Robert Hughes needed in his role as a journalist, I have NEVER heard an Australian accent like this ever. It's cringey, and cliched but an okay film. Think Cool Runnings in the Outback.

A Great Movie!!!

[tristen12_34 · 10/10 · 6 August 2005]

I saw this movie some time ago and it has stuck with me. Even though it was fictional, it was a heartwarming story. It just goes to show you what can happen when people pull together, even though you are from different heritages and backgrounds. I would recommend this to everyone, young or old. We could all learn from these kids. It is one that I will definitely purchase for my home collection. I loved the beautiful scenery too. Halle Berry, James Belushi and the rest of the cast are just terrific. If you ever wanted to see a movie that left you rooting for the underdog, this is the one to watch. I don't think you would be disappointed at all.

After School Special

[CaptionsGirl · 7 January 2002]

I give this movie a C+. It is a cute after-school special type of movie. The most amusing part is the terrible German accent Steve Zahn affects. Other than that, I'd say it's good for your 10 year old audience.

Great movie, very enjoyable.

[lonewolf126 · 10/10 · 2 July 2000]

I loved this movie. The basic story is a group of Hawaiian high school students that go to Australia for the World Solar Challenge. The young up and coming actors were very good and the story was nice. Not to mention the Australian scenery is absolutely beautiful. Great movie!

Better than I expected

[skeetsmiller · 2 July 2001]

I do have to admit that the only reason I rented Race the Sun was because Sara Tanaka( Margaret Yang from "Rushmore")was in it. Rushmore is one of my favorite movies, but I especially think that Sara Tanaka was good in it. Well anyway, back to the review, I heard quite a lot of negative things about the movies, but I decided to check it out anyway. I was quite surprised. The story about a group of poor students from Hawaii competing in a solar-car race in Australia was well-acted, interesting, and fun. I was kind of disappointed that Sara Tanaka wasn't given enough screentime, but it was still quite an entertaining movie, and Sara Tanaka gave another good performance.

Good movie for tough kids

[ddbernhardt · 8/10 · 17 May 2016]

My friend put it this way: This movie is "Dangerous Minds" without the violence and with a positive message.

I showed this to my class of 6th graders at a Title 1 school at the end of a unit about solar energy. The casting is GREAT, the story line is a little hackneyed but typical of the genre, and I had my toughest students on the edge of their seats. One class actually CHEERED, for real.

A great movie for showing in a classroom. There are a few cuss words (s***, b****) but it only adds to the story - these characters are tough kids, and my tough kids relate to them.

8/10 (personal) 10/10 (for showing a class)

A sweet little flick

[dushkufan · 8 February 2003]

I thought that Race the Sun was a cute little movie; ironically I've read on-line that it's how poor Eliza Dushku became addicted to cigarettes at age 15! Anyways, the Australian outback is portrayed well (duh,' twas filmed in Sydney I also heard!) Race the Sun is a timeless family movie; based loosley around the true story of a group of under-achieving haawian school-kids who set out to win a solar car race in Australia