Porn for marathon runners, but even film critics whose only exercise is coughing will find that an education overload awaits in Pierre Morath’s instructional ode to sprinters. In the beginning they were joggers, viewed by some as nothing more than perverted exhibitionists streaking half-naked through our city streets. Women weren’t allowed to compete in marathons, and the story of Karen Switzer’s fight to shatter the gender barrier makes for compelling viewing. One might think that all it takes to become a successful marathon runner is a pair of gym shoes and the will to do so. That was before big business saw dollar signs neatly transforming the sport into a rich person’s venture. The movie begins to run out of steam with Morath’s lead-footed issuance of a slap on the wrist to corporate interference, followed by a discourse on the distinction between holistic and competitive running. (2016) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.