The Express – Dove.org

This could have been an inspirational story for families. In fact, I learned this film originally had a PG-13 rating but was changed to PG so I was hopeful it would go easy on the language so families could see it together. Unfortunately, that is exactly the area it crossed the line of acceptability for us as there were several utterances of biblical profanity.

The story of Ernie Davis (Rob Brown) and what he endured should always be remembered. He dealt with racism in the late fifties and early sixties. He was the first African American to win the revered Heisman Trophy. He excelled in playing for Syracuse. He had a bright future ahead in the NFL if he had not been struck with a disease which is featured near the film’s end. The themes of overcoming obstacles, of loyalty and friendship, and of being willing to change are all great themes. It is unfortunate the strong language wasn’t edited out. We are unable to award our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal to this film.