‘Racewalkers,’ starring Robbie Amell is captivating sports film. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
The synopsis is: A struggling racewalking coach Will (Phil Moniz) and a washed-up pro baseball player Matt (Kevin Claydon) with a surprisingly natural stride team up to take on the best walker in the sport. Ched (played by Robbie Amell) is the best walker in the sport.
Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz directed this film, and they co-star in it alongside Robbie Amell and Italia Ricci. Claydon and Moniz co-wrote the screenplay with Evan Landry.
“Racewalkers” is the kind of movie that reminds you why sports comedies endure: they take the most unlikely premise imaginable and transform it into something genuinely inspiring, laugh-out-loud funny, and deeply heartfelt. What begins as a story about one of the world’s most misunderstood sports quickly reveals itself to be an underdog triumph packed with razor-sharp humor, irresistible charm, and surprising emotional depth.
The film’s greatest strength is its complete commitment to its premise. Rather than treating racewalking as the punchline, “Racewalkers” celebrates the sport with vivacious sincerity, allowing the comedy to emerge naturally from its eccentric world and unforgettable characters. Every joke lands because the filmmakers clearly love what they’re parodying.
Robbie Amell is an absolute scene-stealer as Ched Lester. Leaning into the character’s swagger, confidence, and blissful lack of self-awareness, Amell delivers one of the funniest supporting performances of the year. He balances cartoonish bravado with impeccable comic timing, creating a rival who’s both ridiculous and oddly lovable. Every time he appears on screen, the energy spikes.
The chemistry between the cast elevates every scene, while the script expertly mixes absurd visual gags with surprisingly touching moments about friendship, purpose, and believing in yourself when no one else does. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the film’s infectious optimism.
Visually, the racewalking sequences are far more exciting than they have any right to be. The directors somehow transform synchronized hip swivels and impeccable stride technique into edge-of-your-seat sports spectacle, proving that passion—not the sport itself—is what makes audiences cheer.
At just the right length, “Racewalkers” never overstays its welcome. It delivers consistent laughs, memorable characters, and an ending that leaves you grinning from ear to ear. It’s the rare comedy that manages to be both genuinely hilarious and genuinely uplifting without ever feeling forced.
Whether you’re a lifelong sports movie fan or have never given racewalking a second thought, Racewalkers is an absolute delight. It’s funny, warm, endlessly quotable, and powered by a terrific ensemble led by a brilliantly entertaining Robbie Amell. One of the year’s most pleasant surprises, it’s a crowd-pleaser that earns every step of its victory lap. It garners an A- rating. Well done.
