Stacy Green

I loved The Boys in the Boat, for all the reasons most critics don't: Its a beautifully told story of underdogs triumphing over impossible odds. The center of the story is Joe Rantz, abandoned by his family, and while the film shows his struggles, it also shows a very resilient young man who does not let this define him. The other boys who make up the JV team show the same determination and grit in the boat. The show of strength in the movie -- physical as well as mental and emotional -- was a welcome theme. The gorgeous cinematography and beautiful score made the movie a pleasure to watch and listen to -- none of the usual firehose of noise and visuals coming at you. Clooney's effort is a nod to the great movies that used to win Best Picture. I hope this one does.