Cool Runnings

Cool Runnings is based on a true story. At the 1988 Winter Olympics in Canada, people were very surprised to see a bobsled team from Jamaica. Since this little island in the Caribbean never gets any snow, people laughed to think of Jamaicans competing in a bobsled race. The team members didn’t have much opportunity to practice, but they did have determination!

“I liked that this movie was excellent. It taught many lessons, like winning isn’t everything, don’t count out the underdogs, and believe in teamwork.”

—Zachary P., age 11

“What I didn’t like is the part when they didn’t try their hardest on the 1 st race. I wish that they would’ve been confident of doing things their way because that makes it easier.”

—Barbara D., age 10

“[I could tell] Yul Brenner had changed his mind about being a teammate when he stood up for his friend.”

—Eduardo M., age 10

“I did not like the bad language in this movie. I wish they would use better words. It is wrong.”

—Diana C., age 11

“It was a sport movie, which I like, and it also showed how to play as a team. Winning isn’t everything. It’s how you can work together and have fun.”

—Devin M., age 11

To do before the movie:

What does it mean to say that a person or a team is the “underdog”? What makes people root for the underdog?

Find out some information about the sport of bobsledding. When did it start? What skills does it require?

To do after the movie:

At one point in the movie, the coach says, “I made winning my whole life, and when you make winning your whole life, you have to keep on winning, no matter what.” What do you think he is trying to say?

Do some investigation to find out what Olympic sports Jamaicans usually excel in.

Play a game with your family that requires you to act as a team. (Zachary P.)

Reviewed by students at East Boston Central Catholic School.

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