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The Flying Scotsman (PG-13)





Release Date: May 4th, 2007 (AMC Empire 25) by MGM Pictures.
The Cast: Jonny Lee Miller, Billy Boyd, Laura Fraser, Morven Christie, Steven Berkoff, Brian Cox.
Directed by Douglas Mackinnon.

BASIC PREMISE: In 1993, Graeme Obree (Miller), a Scottish cyclist, sets out to break the world one-hour cycling record. Based on a true story.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: The Flying Scotsman has a few thrilling scenes of cycling, but, mostly falls flat when it comes to essential plot and character development. Graeme Obree owns a bike shop, has a loving wife (Fraser), and a good friend (Boyd) to support his dream of breaking the world one-hour cycling record. He designs his own bike in a way that his legs would be closer together to build up speed. It would have been interesting to include a longer scene showing exactly how he designs the bike rather than rushing through it. Co-writers John Brown, Simon Rose, and Declan Hughes rush through many other scenes as well and only include a few of Graeme’s interactions with his wife that would humanize him. Instead, the plot becomes dull, contrived, formulaic as it focuses on Graeme trying to break the record. Compensating character development makes the cycling scenes less powerful, although director Douglas Mackinnon does make it thrilling with the cinematography and editing. Jonny Lee Miller gives a convincing performance that manages to enliven the film somewhat, but not enough to keep you thoroughly absorbed and engaged.

SPIRITUAL VALUE: Unfortunately, none.

INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: Contrived plot and not enough character development.

NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 6

IN A NUTSHELL: A convincing performance by Jonny Lee Miller and an occasionally thrilling plot, but often contrived and lacking character development.

RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: DVD


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