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Jared Leto, R. Lee Ermey, Breckin Meyer, Ed O'Neill, Amy Locane ... see more see more... , Lindsay Crouse , Brian McGovern , Laurel Holloman , Kurtwood Smith , Peter Anthony Jacobs , Eric Liddell

This biographical sports drama is the true story of an Olympic runner whose life ended tragically short. Jared Leto stars as Steve Prefontaine, a teen who develops a running talent despite unorthodox ... read more read more...physical traits such as a short stature and legs of different lengths. "Pre" is still sufficiently impressive enough on the track field to be recruited by Bill Bowerman (R. Lee Ermey), an Oregon college coach who creates homemade running shoes in his garage. His arrogant attitude vexes even his girlfriend (Amy Locane), but Pre's athletic skills prove to be the real deal, as he wins an NCAA championship and qualifies for the 1972 Olympics. Prior to his event, however, a terrorist attack in Munich leaves several athletes dead, and a shaken Pre doesn't medal. Back home, Bowerman turns his shoe-making enterprise into the global sneaker giant Nike, while Pre chafes under the poverty enforced by Olympic rules. He becomes an outspoken advocate for amateur athletes and tries to organize an exhibition, which leads to criticism by the press. Before he can compete, however, Pre is killed in a car wreck. Prefontaine (1997) was one of two motion pictures made about the runner at the same time; the other was Without Limits (1998). ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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78% liked it

7,017 ratings

Critics

59% liked it

27 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.

Directed by: Steve James

Release Date: January 24, 1997

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DVD Release Date: September 3, 2002

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Flixster Reviews (401)

  • itsjustme2004
    October 5, 2010
    itsjustme2004
    Good sports movie. Pre-rock star Jared Leto...
  • crossbladezero
    October 11, 2011
    crossbladezero
    Sports films are boring and if "Chariots of Fire" taught us anything, that rule applies even to films where we get a close view of people running. Wow, when you say it, that actually does sound boring, but not in your head and, well, not here. Man, Jared Leto and his charisma cra... read morecked the code and made an entertaining sports film. Of course, what can you expect from a rocker? Oh wait, he's contemporary. Sorry Jared, but no matter how much you yell about kings and queens, if you're not playing Freddie Mercury, I'm not interested, but mostly because you've got to get back into films, because no matter what Edward Norton says, that beautiful thing of yours called acting is far from destroyed... I said only having just seen film he did almost "fifteen" ago. Still, when his career was first blooming, ... Jared Leto was already in movies no one had heard about, which isn't to say that he wasn't good in them, because he really was, and although he carries this film, he doesn't entirely carry it away from its flaws.

    As I said earlier, the film isn't particularly boring, like most sports films, but I never said that it wasn't captivating. It's not that the subject isn't fascinating, which it is, but the themes they use in the film, while rather inventive in the biopic genre, aren't handled very well. The film features segments where they show a montage of interviews with Prefontaine's loved ones. It's not quite like "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind", for instead of incorporating that theme in every now and then, this film overdoes that for a long time, making the film feel so much like a documentary and stripping of it of its intimate tone, leaving to feel hollow and unengaging. However, those segments come and go, but when they do finally go, there's such a dent left by the documentary theme and the transitions between the themes are barely palpable, making it hard to get back into the film. Still, getting back into the film would be a much more demanding task were it not for, of course... the great soundtrack. Oh yeah, and let's not forget the acting.

    Ed O'Neill and R. Lee Ermey are playing... well, Ed O'Neill and R. Lee Ermey. Still, the two are as charismatic as a coach can get and they work wonders off of Jared Leto, establishing a chemistry that's not terribly explored, yet strong enough for you to enjoy their time together. Still, no matter what, if it's a scene with Jared Leto, it's enjoyable. Okay, now, as much as I've been praising him, he's not terribly stellar, but only because he's not written to be. Still, what he is given to do he milk's for all it's worth with his charisma, emoting and captivatingly striking authenticity as Steve Prefontaine. Still, he's not simply tranforming into Prefontaine. Prefontaine, himself, went through some changes, and Leto's impressively careful, but effective execution of every layer and characteristic in Prefontaine really does top off his transformation and makes him quite a strong enough lead to carry this film from its beginning to its solid ending.

    At the end of the race, its messily-handled storytelling techniques put a dent in the engagement value, but with a strong story, carried by an excellent Jared Leto and his chemistry with the charming cast, "Prefontaine" ultimately stands as an entertaining and satisfying study on the rise of the late, great legend of the track.

    3/5 - Good
  • Tss807
    February 18, 2011
    Tss807
    While there seem to be many different opinions on weather or not the facts in the film are accurate, the fact remains that this was a fantastic movie that perfectly illustrated the drive and determination that made pre a national icon. Jared Leto is amazing as well. Based on his ... read moreother work, to be honest, I didn't think he had it in him, but he really surprised me and does an excellent job with the role. It's inspirational and a great tribute to a great man. I would definatly suggest seeing it!.
  • ilive4discus
    June 10, 2007
    ilive4discus
    My favorite sports film of all time!!! Jared Leto's performance as the legendary Steve Prefontaine is so dead on. This film is so well done, and so beautifully put together. This is VERY underrated as a sports film.
  • Zibbs
    December 7, 2008
    Zibbs
    Much better than Tom Cruise's produced interpretation; less serious/dramatic and more fun/cheezy. (By cheezy, I don't mean that it's campy or not taking itself seriously enough; the film just follows all the typical movie-guidelines.) - Very cliche, but it works. The strong suppo... read morerting cast also brings a comforting vibe around the main character.
  • mozzer232
    May 29, 2008
    mozzer232
    Very good film. I just remember my track coach renting this one before a big meet for inspiration. Not the best flick for that!
  • Irockursocks202
    March 30, 2008
    Irockursocks202
    Prefontaine was a heck of an awesome runner and this movie says it all... its sad how he died coming home from winning a rele bug race but hes a legend
  • chlorow7
    August 30, 2007
    chlorow7
    Oh, I really like this movie. A Bio Movie on Prefontaine. Jared Leto made good as the runner. Great Screen-play!
  • MovieGuruDude72
    June 20, 2007
    MovieGuruDude72
    Compliments Without Limits in terms of perfectly portraying the life of American distance running legend Steve Prefontaine. A must see if you're into track and field or a fan of sports in general.
  • ravenpr51
    April 20, 2007
    ravenpr51
    Jared Leto made this film fresh form the hit tv show "My so Called Life". It was produced by Tom Cruise.

View All Prefontaine Reviews

Critic Reviews

Todd McCarthy
March 14, 2007
Todd McCarthy, Variety

Prefontaine gets to the finish line in reasonable shape despite plenty of sloppy running along the way. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Disappointingly colorless and squeaky-clean. Full Review

Kenneth Turan
February 14, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Though it is always pleasant and agreeable, this film has the bland and undemanding texture that characterizes movies made for network TV. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

James tries too hard to bring closure to Pre's life, and, as a result, strays a little too far into melodrama. The tearful reminiscences at the end, not to mention some of the stuff at the funeral, la... Full Review

Mike Clark
January 1, 2000
Mike Clark, USA Today

The Super-16mm film stock gives the film a grainy look that blends in artfully with the vintage videotape of ABC's '72 Olympics coverage.

Gary Kamiya
January 1, 2000
Gary Kamiya, Salon.com

Even through Prefontaine's obviousness, we feel its force. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Here is a sports movie in the tradition of the best sportswriting, where athletes are portrayed warts and all. You do not have to be nice to win races, but you have to be good. Full Review

Peter Stack
January 1, 2000
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

With hypnotic blue eyes and dirty blond hair, Leto captures the rock-star style Prefontaine affected, and he looks natural in fiery performances on the track, as well as off, where Pre affected a bras... Full Review

March 14, 2007
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Steve Prefontaine must have been something special -- everyone says so -- but there's no magic on the screen. Full Review

Clint Morris
March 11, 2005
Clint Morris, Moviehole

A touching, poignant movie with a great performance by Leto

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Prefontaine Trivia

  • In what movie does Billy Crudup portray the American distance runner Steve Prefontaine?  Answer »
  • Name the distance runner that Billy Crudup portrays in "Without Limits"  Answer »
  • Runner Steve Prefontaine was the subject of both 'Prefontaine' (1997) and 'Without Limits' (1998). In what Olympics did he compete?   Answer »
  • What Movie is this Plot Line from? This documentary-like biopic is about an Olympic-caliber runner from Oregon.   Answer »
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