Radio

Director Michael Tollin thoughtfully informs viewers before the opening credits that this film is inspired by a true story. If he hadn’t, the skeptic in all of us would assume this too-good-to-be true drama about the purity of the human spirit is yet another example of a Hollywood contrivance. Cuba Gooding, Jr. finally stars in a noteworthy role by playing the title character who shuffles around 1960’s Anderson, S.C., with a shopping cart of personal treasures while innocently being a victim to physical and emotional abuse from the cruel townsfolk for his mental disabilities. However, when a benevolent high school football coach (played by Ed Harris) becomes surrogate father, friend and teacher to the social outcast, Radio’s infectious charm and relentless enthusiasm cause his tormentors to open their hearts and minds to people with differences. Even though this film lacks much-needed back story and character development, Radio’s unyielding sweetness will touch your hearts just knowing that such a person still exists today.