American Flyers

Director: John Badham (1985)

Cast: Kevin Costner, David Marshall Grant, Rae Dawn Chong, Alexandra Paul

This was the last film that Kevin Costner made as an up-and -coming future star. His next film is "No Way Out." would make him a heartthrob around the world and the next film after that, "The Untouchables,” would make him an international super star.

When Dr. Marcus Sommers (Kevin Costner) realizes that he and his troubled, estranged brother David (David Grant) may be prone a fatal brain disease that runs in their family, he decides to make peace with his sibling, and invites him on a trip to the Rockies. There, the brothers bond over their shared enthusiasm for cycling and decide to enter a grueling bike race through the mountains. However, Marcus' health soon begins to fail, and David must compete without his brother at his side.

American Flyers was directed by John Badham had guided John Travolta to an Oscar nomination for his role in Saturday Night Fever. American Flyers is the feel-good story of brothers who couldn't compete in the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to US boycott. They train, they race, despite tragic family events. You will care about these characters. Highly recommended.

Fun Facts:

If you sneezed you probably missed a very young Pre"Dirty Dancing" Jennifer Grey in the film. One of the people riding in the first leg of the Big race was little Steven Van Zant.

In interviews over the years Costner has always liked this film.