Race the Sun (1996)

If the idea of hearing "Rocks You Like Hurricane" played during a 
racing scene doesn't gag you, then this is probably the film to 
see.  Halle Berry (who gets top billing!) and James Belushi star in 
this dopey, feel-good family drama about a group of underprivileged 
Hawaiian high-schoolers who design, build, and race a solar-powered 
car.  First, in competition in Kona, and, then, as part of the 
2000-mile, six-day World Solar Challenge in Australia.  

Inspired by the true story, RACE IS SUN is amiable enough.  Adults 
may fidget, but their kids won't mind the undercooked characters or 
the sparse scientific detail.  (With seemingly no background, the 
class builds a solar car.  Just like that!)  The scenery is quite 
nice, and, as honest happy endings go, any non-violent film that 
causes an audience of kids to erupt into cheers is probably worth 
the stock it's printed on.  Now, if only someone could explain the 
odd resemblance, of late, between James Belushi and Steven 
Seagal... (Rated "PG"/105 min.)

Grade: C

Copyright 1996 by Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in Movie Hell: March 31, 1996