RADIO is a heart-warming and old-fashioned slice of melodrama based on a true story, as reported in a Sports Illustrated story written by Gary Smith.
Harold Jones (Harris) is the tough-talking coach of the American football team at a prestigious high school in Anderson, South Carolina during the mid-70s.
He is utterly dedicated to the team - at the expense of his home life with his wife Linda (Winger) and teenage daughter Mary Helen (Drew) - and he demands the same level of commitment from his young players.
Sentimental soul that he is, Coach Jones forms a bond with a mentally challenged local nicknamed Radio (Gooding Jr), who has been bullied by a few of the players, including arrogant star quarterback and team captain Johnny Clay (Smith).
To make amends, Coach Jones encourages Radio to become part of the team and the lads adopt Radio as their mascot.
Despite their initial reservations, Radio's mother (Merkerson) and the school's principal (Woodard) lend their support to Coach Jones.
However, Johnny and his influential father Frank (Mulkey), plus a number of other interested parties, fear that Coach Jones' obsession with helping Radio might be too much of a distraction from winning the state championship.
More importantly, they are concerned that a mentally challenged man on the team may be a danger to others, as well as himself.
Penned by the screenwriter of The Rookie, Radio is another familiar tale of triumph against adversity, set in a close-knit American community riddled with prejudice and deep-seated fear.
Harris exudes a benevolence and immediate warmth as the inspirational team coach, who risks everything to give Radio a better life.
There's a nice rapport with Winger and Drew, who are both underused until the overwrought finale.
Cuba Gooding Jr, sporting an impressive pair of fake teeth, curries sympathy in the title role but he isn't really stretched as an actor.
Screenwriter Mike Rich doesn't spare the mawkish sentiment in the final 20 minutes, which shamelessly pluck our heartstrings.
But if you forgive the film its emotional manipulation and occasional artistic licence, there is a sweet if slight story struggling to be heard.
DAMON SMITH
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