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'Race the Sun' recycles good cheer

Many "teen-age motivation" movies are extremely similar at heart: Every new film is a recycled story in a different package. Yet, despite the lack of creativity involved in their plots, these movies can be quite entertaining -- if done properly. Charles T. Kanganis' "Race the Sun," a new film based on the real-life experience of eight Hawaiian high school students, is a prime example.

The plot of "Race the Sun" is divided into two parts. It begins with the arrival of Sandra Beecher (Halle Berry), an ambitious science teacher, at Kona Pali High School in a low-income, diverse section of Hawaii. In an attempt to generate interest in the subject, Sandra asks the class to come up with proposals for a science project. When several of her students do not complete the assignment, she requires them to attend the district science fair to help develop ideas.

At the science fair, the students come across a solar car, a project from a prestigious private school. The car is going to be raced at the island championships; afterward, the winning team will travel to Australia to take part in the world competition. After a scuffle with the snobby designers of the car, the Lolos (Hawaiian slang for losers) decide to create their own solar vehicle, which they eventually race to victory over their wealthier rivals.

In the second part of the film, the students travel to Australia to compete with others from around the world. Accompanied by Mrs. Beecher and Frank Machi (James Belushi), a skeptical shop teacher, the Lolos and their rag tag automobile are ridiculed by their competitors, who are sponsored by renowned universities and corporations. Despite all the hardships they face, the students are determined to finish the grueling race and win the respect of everyone.

Interestingly enough, the motivation that fuels the Lolos is not supplied by their teacher, but rather, by themselves. Mrs. Beecher merely introduces them to the world of science. From there, they are determined to build the solar car on their own, only occasionally looking to their instructor for support.

It is refreshing to see the underachieving high schoolers in "Race the Sun" treated with respect. Unlike "Dangerous Minds," where Michelle Pfieffer's character has to bribe her students with candy bars to "reach them," Berry's Mrs. Beecher allows them to independently discover how the material they learn in school is going to affect them. Her role is to generate a slight curiosity, and then let her students find their own way.

Berry, in an understated, yet extremely effective performance, brings the teacher to life. Her character is not an expert in adolescent psychology, nor does she ever pretend to be. However, she is wonderfully sincere and displays obvious concern and compassion for her pupils.

Yet, the real strength of the film comes from the surprisingly three-dimensional writing. Aside from the aforementioned intelligent characterizations, the subplots, although a bit numerous, are not entirely shallow. For example, despite having a common goal, the Lolos squabble and bicker in fits of jealousy and rage. The heat of the Australian countryside serves as the perfect backdrop for this tension.

The success of "Race the Sun" is due to the fine presentation of the odds against the eight high school students. Making the odds seem even greater are the extremely human aspects of their characters. These adolescents are normal people who embark on an extraordinary task. If they can do it, so can anyone. Of course, this is the central message, and the movie certainly conveys it -- in a typical, feel-good way. Granted, it may be unoriginal; but in the end, who really cares, as long as it's enjoyable?