Top 25 Outdoor Movies of All Time: Cool Runnings
Next on our list of Top 25 Outdoor Movies of All Time, and perfect in time for summer, is Cool Runnings, a film about the Jamaican Bobsled team that went to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta.
The movie is a really great pick that your entire community will love, and we'll tell you why it deserves a spot on our Top 25 list, but first, here is the original theatrical trailer:
Cool Runnings is based on the true story of the Jamaican Bobsled team, who against all odds, qualified to race in the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Irving "Irv" Blitzer (John Candy), is an American expatriate who retired in Jamaica after two gold medals and an embarrassing scandal at the end of his career. Derice Bannock, a 100m top runner, who failed to place in the previous summer Olympic Games, approaches Irv along with his friends, hoping to encourage him to coach them as the first Jamaican Bobsled team. He finally consents, and begins training them over a three-month period.
When they arrive at the Olympics hoping to represent Jamaica in the bobsled competition, they are laughed at and scorned by their opponents, and some initial events cause them great embarrassment. But as the film continues, the group overcomes their challenges, and make history as they compete in the Olympics.
Cool Runnings is a film about community and perseverance and would be a great choice for any outdoor movie screening, whether you are hosting your own backyard cinema event on your Cinebox System, or an outdoor movie for your entire community! The film is appropriate for all ages, and is filled with funny moments (that will keep the kids laughing), as well as moments that might make you cry.
Everyone loves this movie, and you are sure to draw a large crowd, especially when screening it under the stars.
The movie presents several opportunities for pre-show outdoor movie activities. In one scene, Irv has the team members sit in an ice cream cooler in order to better prepare themselves to the cold Canadian weather, while eating a popsicle. You could have popsicles and snow-cones as refreshment, and olympic "games" in the form of obstacles courses for the children! Prizes could be given from local businesses that are willing to sponsor your event (also a way to pay for your film licensing!).
There are many ways to tie Cool Runnings into your pre-show activities and concessions, all of which will really make your night fun and memorable for all! If anyone has screened Cool Runnings before, share your story by posting to the comments below! We'd love to hear about your event!