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“The Express” tells the sports epic as well as any.

As a young African-American, I am more than excited to see Hollywood take on projects that praise the forgotten accomplishments of blacks during the turmoil of the Civil-Rights Era. However, the sports bio-pic is a genre that desperately needs fresh perspectives in formatting and plot progression, case in point, “The Express,” is a film that depicts the life of the first negro recipient of the Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis.

The famed athlete is portrayed by Rob Brown, a talented actor with a partiality for underdog biographies (“Finding Forrester,” “Coach Carter,” and “Take the Lead”). Sadly, the director, along with this film, falls short by never seeking to stray from the same formula exemplified by Brown’s prior work. This leaves the viewer with a movie that’s equally entertaining and inspiring as it is predictable.

Literally, until the last 10 minutes of the movie, every character and plot line are practically interchangeable with “Remember the Titans”” and “Glory Road.” Oddly enough, this formula is what audiences expect and love about the genre, and if you’re concerned about Hollywood exploiting this trend by creating rubbish and tarnishing memories, be at ease. They have done well so far because all the aforementioned films are all on permanent loop in classrooms and locker rooms around the nation because of their endearing qualities.

These are stories that need to be told, and “The Express” is another good one for audiences of all colors and backgrounds.