The fact that this isn't your typical sports hero story doesn't make it any more compelling. Ritchie does everything he can to make downhill skiing look exciting, but 70% of the time that just means people fucking up and wiping out. There are a couple of interesting character moments, and I especially liked the final note. But the romantic subplot is terribly bland, even if it effectively makes its point. Despite the attempt at a New Wave kind of sports movie, it just didn't do much for me.

"Downhill Racer stands as lean condemnation of the calculating underdog clichés Rocky would bring make the norm." - Fernando F. Croce

In true New Hollywood fashion a skiing movie becomes a character study about the effects of success. It's helped along by some great camerawork and gorgeous cinematography. Makes me wish I could ski.

At one point in DOWNHILL RACER, skier Dave Chappellet (Robert Redford) visits his father, and the old man seems fairly bored with his son. The viewer can sympathize. Some good skiing scenes, nice cinematography, and a good score by Kenyon Hopkins, but the script is scattered and hollow; the characters are one-dimensional when not glorified props. Redford is uncompelling, Gene Hackman underused, and Camilla Sparv's love interest lacks depth or motivation. Points off, too, for the non-ending.

Passes the time.