TYSON’S RUN is a heart-warming film that mixes humor and drama to tell an inspiring story of faith, persistence, and overcoming challenges.
Tyson Hollerman (Major Dodson) is a 15-year-old teen on the autism spectrum. He’s mentally gifted, can rattle off numerous facts, and loves to stare at his solar system mobile. Homeschooled by his devoted mother Eleanor (Amy Smart), Tyson isn’t very close to his father Bobby (Rory Cochrane), a high school football coach. Longing to be accepted by his dad, Tyson decides that he wants to start attending the school where he works, to be closer to him under the guise of learning algebra.
Reluctantly, Tyson’s parents agree to let him go. On his first day at Pope High School, Tyson quickly learns who the bullies are – and who his friends are. While helping his father pick up football gear out on the field after school, Tyson sees champion marathon runner Aklilu (Barkhad Abdi) running around the track. Never letting his autism hold him back, Tyson becomes determined to not only run his first marathon, but to win it.
TYSON’S RUN is a heartfelt, feel-good movie that brings awareness to some of the struggles that people on the autistic spectrum go through in everyday life. With the help of an understanding mentor, Tyson learns that with confidence in himself and the courage to take the first step, he can strive to reach his goal. Hopefully this movie will inspire other autistic teens to pursue their dreams, as well as help others realize that they don’t need to be held back due to their condition.
How about you? Have you ever found yourself trying to get the approval of a parent, or felt the need to prove yourself to others? Are you smart but socially awkward, or know someone who is? Do your goals sometimes seem impossible? There is something in this movie that we can all relate to.
If you like faith-based films, sports dramas, or stories about people with autism, you will want to cheer for Tyson and TYSON’S RUN! (For an inspiring double feature, watch TYSON’S RUN along with OVERCOMER!)
Click here to buy TYSON’S RUN on DVD/Digital!
Themes
While this is a faith-based film, there are only brief nods toward Christianity such as the characters saying grace at mealtime and going to church. Still, the movie contains strong Christian themes of unconditional love, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice, as well as an emphasis on the importance of fatherhood and parenting, and even a subtle pro-life message. The movie shows that Christian families aren’t perfect and they can be dysfunctional too. The film ends with an on-screen Bible verse (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Cautions
TYSON’S RUN is rated PG by the MPAA for some thematic elements and language. There is one swear word uttered by an adult during an intense moment of peril. A couple of bullies make fun of Tyson, and one of them also makes a rude joke about certain male and female body parts in science class. A bonus scene after the ending credits shows Tyson getting his revenge on the main bully.
Goofs
At one point in the movie, a doctor recommends bed rest for a woman. And yet for the rest of the movie she’s running all around town doing stuff! No harm comes from it but that didn’t really make sense.
Fun Facts
- Like the character he plays, Major Dodson is on the autism spectrum and he is an outspoken supporter of autistic actors playing autistic roles.
- In real life, a 16-year-old student with autism won a half-marathon on his first try.
- Many people with autism are excellent runners. In fact, running is regarded as one of the best sports for people with autism.
- The creators of TYSON’S RUN partnered with several autism groups, which are listed on the official movie site here.
- Four-time Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams recorded “If You Believe,” an original song, just for TYSON’S RUN.
Giveaway!
Enter for a chance to win one digital copy of TYSON’S RUN! Simply click on the blue COMMENT button below or click on this link to leave a comment saying what interests you most about this movie! (Please note: It may take a while for your comment to show up.) We will pick one random winner to be notified on July 1st. Don’t forget to include your email address so we can contact you if you win! P.S. The giveaway is limited to US winners only.
Click here to buy a digital copy or DVD of TYSON’S RUN
Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing a digital copy of TYSON’S RUN for this review and giveaway!
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I’m always glad to see movies with autistic characters because that helps make people aware of what it’s like so they will be more understanding of them.
Sounds good. I haven’t seen Barkhad Abdi in a while.
Hey I’m homeschooled and my brother’s autistic so this movie looks like it would be fun to watch.
And the winner is… Jo! Check your e-mail for the link. Hope you enjoy the movie. 🙂