THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 29, 1996 TAG: 9603290049
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALAN A. CHANG, TEENOLOGY MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
DON'T UNDERESTIMATE the power of a solar car.
With a little bit of solar ``juice'' and ingenuity, anyone can ``Race the Sun,'' which is the title and basis of new movie starring Halle Berry and James Belushi. The movie is based on the true story of a group of high school students and their determination to win a solar-car race competition.
Berry plays Sandra Beecher, a new high school science teacher in Hawaii. While other teachers have given up on her students, Berry is high-spirited and believes that the kids have a chance to do well. The biggest doubter is Frank Machi, a shop teacher played by Belushi.
Seven of Beecher's students become involved in a science fair and get into a quarrel with a group of contemptuous brainiacs. They vow to beat them by entering a solar-car contest. Of course, there are problems among Beecher's students which threaten to tear their efforts apart. But they pull together, win the contest, and head to Australia for the big race.
The best part of the film is the beautiful Australian scenery. I felt like I was watching a PBS program but on a larger screen. The lives of the high school students are an interesting aspect of the movie. The students are definitely carefree - a fair share of drinking and partying - but they all have serious, personal problems they deal with throughout the movie.
``Race the Sun'' movie might not be a big-budget race-car film but it has some kick of its own. There were times when I wanted to stand up and cheer for the students.
The movie is fun, exciting and enjoyable to watch. People can also learn a few engineering tips on solar cars. But, most of all, this film makes you feel good after leaving the theater. MEMO: ``Race the Sun'' is rated PG. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Alan Chang
TRI-STAR PICTURES
Marco (Dion Basco), back, urges on computer-expert Gilbert (J. Moki
Cho) in ``Race the Sun.''
by CNB