Radio

Jet, Nov 3, 2003 by Sylvia P. Flanagan

A Revolution Studios Film, Tollin/Robbins production and a Columbia Pictures Release (Rated PG)

Radio is a dramatic and uplifting story inspired by events that focus on the mentoring relationship between the mentally-challenged Radio and his high school coach. James Robert Kennedy is nicknamed "Radio" because of his vintage radio collection and his love of music. He pushes his grocery cart up and down the street in Anderson, Carolina. He speaks to no one and is rarely spoken to. One day, Coach Harold Jones befriends him. Radio is suspicious at first, but Coach Jones enlisted the help of Radio's mother. His mother says he is "the same as everybody else, just a little slower than most." Coach Jones earns Radio's trust and opens up a new world to him, and in turn, Coach Jones' life is also enriched by Radio. Starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Radio, Ed Harris as Coach Harold Jones, Alfre Woodard as principal Daniels, S. Epatha Merkerson as Maggie Kennedy, Radio's mother, and Debra Winger as Linda Jones, Coach Jones' wife.