4 Minute Mile

Four Minute Mile is a heartwarming 2014 sports drama about a young man named Drew Jacobs (Kelly Blatz) who comes from a troubled background and manages to turn his life around through running. Directed by Charles-Olivier Michaud, the film explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the transformative power of sports.

When we first meet Drew, he is living with his alcoholic mother and struggling to make ends meet. Despite his natural talent for running, he has given up on his dream of becoming a professional athlete after a tragic incident that left him with a permanent limp. However, everything changes when he meets his new neighbor, Coleman (Richard Jenkins), an ex-track coach who offers to train him.

With Coleman's help, Drew starts training for a local track competition, where he hopes to break the four-minute mile record. Along the way, he befriends a fellow runner, Eli (Wesley Young), who has his own set of personal and financial struggles. The two form a close bond and push each other to be their best selves on and off the track.

As Drew's training intensifies, he also starts to confront the demons of his past. He must learn to forgive himself for his mistakes and make amends with the people he has hurt. Along the way, he also finds support from unexpected sources, including his estranged father and his younger brother.

The film is beautifully shot and has a poignant soundtrack that complements the emotional stakes of the story. The performances are also top-notch, with Blatz and Young delivering nuanced and authentic portrayals of their characters. Richard Jenkins, as always, steals the show as the tough-love mentor who brings out the best in his proteges.

Overall, Four Minute Mile is a touching and inspiring film that showcases the power of human resilience and the importance of community and mentorship. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports movies, coming-of-age stories, or simply a good underdog tale.