Watch Amazing Grace and Chuck

In 1987, the movie Amazing Grace and Chuck hit the screens, starring the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis, the legendary Gregory Peck, and newcomer Dean Alexander. Directed by Mike Newell, Amazing Grace and Chuck is a heartwarming tale of a young boy, a famous athlete, and a pacifist who shakes the world with a simple yet powerful gesture. Set in the height of the Cold War, the movie takes place in a world where nuclear weapons have become a ubiquitous threat, and humanity stands at the brink of destruction. Chuck Murdock (Alexander) is a 12-year-old boy who loves basketball and idolizes his hero, Boston Celtics star "Amazing" Grace Smith (played by Alex English). After learning about the devastating effects of nuclear war in his class, Chuck becomes deeply disturbed and refuses to continue playing basketball until nuclear disarmament is achieved.

His decision catches the media's attention, and soon, he becomes a national hero, inspiring other athletes to follow in his footsteps. One such athlete is Grace Smith, who, moved by Chuck's conviction, decides to join the cause. With Peck's character, the moral and determined coach of the Celtics, by their side, Chuck, Grace, and their team of supporters wage a campaign to pressure the government to dismantle its nuclear arsenal.

While the story is primarily from the perspective of Chuck and his idealistic view of the world, the movie touches on several broader issues, such as the futility of violence, the power of peace, and the importance of individual beliefs in shaping society. It also doesn't oversimplify the gravity of the issue at hand or the impact of the actions taken by the characters. Instead, it presents a nuanced and hopeful approach to a complex problem.

The performances in the movie are nothing short of outstanding, with young Alexander holding his own alongside Curtis and Peck. Alexander's portrayal of Chuck is sincere and believable, and his chemistry with English's Grace Smith is heartwarming. Curtis, as a TV reporter who views Chuck's story as a way to boost her career, shows great depth and development as her character's arc takes a poignant turn. Peck, as the calm, wise coach, delivers yet another flawless performance, bringing a sense of gravitas and humanity to the movie.

The cinematography by Peter Hannan is stunning, with beautiful shots of Boston's skyline and the basketball court, adding to the film's overall charm. The score by Elmer Bernstein complements the movie's themes effortlessly, and the necessary musical cues elevate some of the scenes to a higher emotional level.

Although the film has a heavy political bent, it never feels like it's trying to force a message onto its audience but rather presents it within the context of a well-crafted story. It also doesn't shy away from showing the complexity of the issue and the various angles from which it can be viewed. The movie's gripping climax will leave viewers on the edge of their seats, even if they know how the story will end.

In conclusion, Amazing Grace and Chuck is a captivating and emotional movie that is as relevant today as it was when it first premiered. It uses sports as a metaphor for peace and shines a light on the power of personal convictions and activism. The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in cinema that tackles complex issues in a palatable and affecting manner.

Amazing Grace and Chuck is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.