It's the true-life story of legendary track star Steve Prefontaine, the exciting and sometimes controversial "James Dean of Track," whose spirit captured the heart of the nation! Cocky, charismatic, and tough, "Pre" was a running rebel who defied rules, pushed limits ... and smashed records ...
The Super-16mm film stock gives the film a grainy look that blends in artfully with the vintage videotape of ABC's '72 Olympics coverage.
– Mike Clark,
USA Today,
1 Jan 2000
rotten:
James tries too hard to bring closure to Pre's life, and, as a result, strays a little too far into melodrama. The tearful reminiscences at the end, not to mention some of the stuff at the funeral, lay it on thickly.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
1 Jan 2000
rotten:
Though it is always pleasant and agreeable, this film has the bland and undemanding texture that characterizes movies made for network TV.
– Kenneth Turan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb 2001
rotten:
Disappointingly colorless and squeaky-clean.
– Janet Maslin,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Prefontaine gets to the finish line in reasonable shape despite plenty of sloppy running along the way.