This feels like a skillfully crafted film set in the past. It's refreshing to find something without modern social messaging or inappropriate content. Hats off to George Clooney!

There's a wide range of films centered on underdogs, some genuinely uplifting and others full of tired conventions. George Clooney’s newest entry unfortunately lands firmly among the latter. The movie is reasonably well-crafted, but this true story about the 1936 American Olympic rowing team is overflowing with familiar sports narrative elements—so many that they're obvious from a distance. While the film looks good …

It’s a fairly conventional sports film, and it does manage to deliver an uplifting narrative about someone overcoming obstacles. There are moments where the story loses focus, but for most of its length, it makes for a worthwhile viewing experience. Callum Turner, naturally taking center stage, is easily the strongest element; I found his acting enjoyable. Joel Edgerton also performs well, and Hadley Robinson leav…

Joe Rantz (played by Callum Turner) lives in a run-down car on an empty lot near Seattle, commuting daily to the University of Washington where he’s studying engineering. It becomes clear early on that he's struggling financially; when informed he needs to cover tuition for the rest of the semester, his situation seems dire. Fortunately, his friend Roger Morris (Sam Strike) finds out that joining the rowing team woul…