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Review

The second feature film about legendary athlete Steve Prefontaine (the first being Steve James' 1997 Prefontaine) is a nice return to form for writer-director Towne (who tread similar ground with 1982's Personal Best). Crudup and Sutherland are superb as, respectively, "Pre" and his caring but no-nonsense track coach. The film wisely focuses on their compelling relationship. Towne also is able to gain insight into Pre's psyche and his personal relationships -- something that the straightforward, informative and absorbing Prefontaine was unable to do sufficiently. And though the two films ultimately complement each other, Without Limits -- with its nuanced performances and detailed characters, and demonstrating why Pre is considered a legend in his field -- has the edge.