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American Anthem

1986, Movie, PG-13, 100 mins

American Anthem: Review

Gaylord--who won a gold, a silver, and two bronze medals in gymnastics at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics--makes a big stretch and stars here as a former champion gymnast whose glory days appear to be behind him. Enter Jones, a gymnast who comes to town to try to earn a spot on the national team. Predictably Gaylord falls for Julie and, newly inspired, begins training again for competition, setting up the highlight of the film, its nicely photographed finale in which both gymnasts strive for spots on the team. Governed by a rock-video aesthetic (which comes as little surprise, considering that it was directed by Magnoli, the man responsible for Prince's PURPLE RAIN), AMERICAN ANTHEM employs some flashy and occasionally effective visuals, but its screenplay and characterization leave much to be desired, and the film is ultimately disappointing. Hockey fans are likely to recognize Jones as the woman who broke the hearts of Edmonton Oiler fans when she married Wayne Gretzky.