Given the Olympics are imminent in London and that films like Chariots of Fire have been given a re-release in preparation for the event, it was only going to be a matter of time before sports films came to the fore. Although the film revolves around the World Championships in Athletics, the important elements of the sports movie still exist here, battling against the odds, training within an inch of your life, believing in yourself no matter what others think of you and of course, the fact that this is considered the athletics answer to Bend it Like Beckham is not doing this film any harm.
Revolving around Shania Andrews, (Lerona Crichlow) a dedicated athlete who continues to fight for her place in the Championships despite personal problems, Fast Girls follows five girls who are unexpectedly thrown together to create Britain’s relay team. Andrews finds the adjustment the most difficult, coming into the team quite late, she struggles to find herself in regards to the other girls, particularly Lisa Temple (Lily James). Evicted from her home with her aunt and receiving little support from her so-called sister, Shania turns to her trainer, a local shopkeeper and previous athlete for guidance. Under his tuition, she makes the British team but when she begins to attend training, she notices how different her upbringing and training has been from the others. In order to save her own success, she decides to concentrate on her own qualification and training and drops the relay team. But can she qualify for the final? And will she really abandon her team?
Despite its appalling title, Fast Girls was not what you will expect, mostly amiable and entertaining, the characters didn’t grate as much as initially expected, in fact Lenora Crichlow might be a talent worth watching. The script of course, leaves a lot to be desired but sports films for the most part, are not renowned for their cutting dramatic plot and storyline. More importantly, the film is shot exceptionally well, particularly the running scenes; in fact director Regan Hall should consider directing the ACTUAL Championships in future. The class structure is over-emphasised throughout the entire production, however this may be an attempt to draw attention to the reality of how difficult it can be for some athletes who do not have financial backing and availability. It is no secret how hard the girls trained, Crichlow suffered from stress factures in her ankles and her subsequent filming of running scenes was jeopardised due to this. Changes in diet, 600 sit ups a day, the girls were expected to train like real athletes and perform like professional runners. Not life changing but a much better run than expected, Fast Girls is released in optimum time for the Olympics and will particularly appeal to athletes and those who like a good underdog movie.
Fast Girls hits cinemas 15th June 2012.
Director: Regan Hall
Stars: Rupert Graves, Bradley James, Lenora Crichlow
Runtime: 91 min
Country: UK
Film Rating: 
