One of the things I really love about film is its ability to parody itself. Express: Aisle to Glory is such a film, and you should watch for it on HBO and other pay movie channels.

Express: Aisle to Glory pokes fun at sports highlights films. These films tend to speak of the awesome odds stacked against the athlete, and the virtuous abilities they employ in seeking victory. Express: Aisle to Glory has all these elements, but the sport is grocery bagging. We first meet young Mark "Dizzy" Gillespie (Jay Michael Ferguson) working in a small grocery. He's got natural talent. He helps others. He's a nice guy. A large chain supermarket moves into town and tries to steel Dizzy away, but his loyalty to Mr. Kopenski, the owner of the grocery, keeps him in the lower paying position. One other bag boy takes the money. Clearly he is not marked for greatness.

The film gets a little predictable because it is parodying a stereotype movie. Everything we expect to happen does. There's a bag boy contest. Our hero is expected to win. But he shows up late because he had to deliver a baby. He starts late. He wins, but looses the competition because one bag had a small rip. He losses, but no one cares. He's still a hero, and end up stocking Wheaties boxes with his own face on them.

This film really works. The writing is dead on. Add that they brough in Harry Kalas, whom you've heard in NFL films, to narrate, and Bob Costas to do testimonial about Dizzy's abilities as an athlete, and you have a perfect parody.

No Suction!

Film Facts

Cast
• Jay Michael Ferguson
• Harry Kalas
• Abraham Zucker
• Brandon Quinn
• Margo Hara
• Jean Speegle Howard
• Kal Penn
• Keith Alexander
• Adam Carter
• Ruben Madera
• Derek Stephen Prince
• Sean M. Reed
• Lorie Katherine Anderson
• Tom Katsis
• Juan Guzman
• Matt Klekotka
• Ken Luckett
• Stephen Goldstein
• Michael Sarner
• Bob Costas
• Fred Roggin

Directed by Jonathan Buss

Released in 1998

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Reviewed by Mongo