Miracle on Ice used to be my favorite Olympic film, but this film tops it. It is far funnier; laugh out loud funnier. And even though it is obviously fictional, it really captures the ridiculousness of Olympic sideshows and how American female athletes are supposed to "behave". I know almost nothing about women's gymnastics, but the film had a real sense of satirical humor to me. All the cutesy crap that Hope teaches her protege seemed right on the money. Her training tactics looked pretty good as well; like keeping one's legs together when landing. That adds authenticity to the film's background. Many of these athletes also happen to be human beings, and humans have weaknesses. They curse, drink, like sex, and have egos; who doesn't? They are human. That is what makes the film so good. We are looking at a flawed human being who rose to the occasion once, and is trying to rise to the occasion a second time. Ms. Rauch reminded me of Little Miss Firecracker (Holly Hunter), but with no holds barred. The film was well written, had excellent performances from the supporting cast, and Bryan Buckley does a nice job of directing. I liked Raunch's (I mean Rauch's) style. Looking forward to seeing her in more comedic roles.
Review of The Bronze
