In 1961, Syracuse University senior and running back Ernie Davis became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. He died of leukemia two years later at age 23. This routine biopic is based on Robert Gallagher’s 1999 book “Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express.” Neither director Gary Fleder (“Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead,” “Impostor”) nor University of Chicago grad Charles Leavitt (“K-PAX,” “Blood Diamond”) appear inspired by their assignment. Jackie Robinson and Jim Brown inspired Davis, who in turn inspired later black athletes. But the black kids bussed to a preview screening of “The Express” sounded uninspired. Rob Brown (“Finding Forrester,” “Stop-Loss”) plays Davis with little inflection. Dennis Quaid plays coach Ben Schwartzwalder with little distinction. As a period piece, “The Express” studiously details the white racism that Davis outran, but it bores as a rote tale of sports uplift. Local location spotters will see some U of C interiors used nicely. With Charles S. Dutton, Aunjanue Ellis, Elizabeth Shivers, Clancy Brown Saul Rubinek, Nelsan Ellis and Nicole Beharie. (Bill Stamets)
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