A classic, crass, no-nonsense movie about the competitiveness of sports in America. A true 70s movie, the film pushed boundaries, including several aspects that would not be allowed in a PG movie these days.
9. Kevin Costner Baseball Films
Kevin Costner is one actor who seems to always find himself in baseball themed films: Chasing Dreams (1982), Bull Durham (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), For Love of the Game (1999) and The Upside of Anger (2005). Many people think of Field of Dreams when thinking of classic Amercian baseball films. Although the film is remembered for the infamous line "If you build it, they will come" and garnered critical praise, earning three Academy Award nominations, Bull Durham is arguably the more successful film as it quickly became a fan favourite and was listed as #1 in Sports Illustrated Greatest Sports Movies of All Time.
Though I am no self-professed Costner fan, I can respect and admire the work he has done, especially in the sport film genre. After all, they are classics.
A different take on the sport film genre, The Fan tackles the subject of fan obsession, in the extreme. A film by Tony Scott, it is filled with action, thrills and chills. A nice change of pace from all the more family friendly baseball movies out there.
A classic family friendly baseball themed film that shows realistic baseball action. Not as common as you would think. A story about a young boy who becomes the owner of a major league baseball team when his grandfather passes away. A typical story about facing adversity, but done in a pretty compelling way for a "family comedy". As a kid growing up in the 90s, this film is a must see.
I LOVE this movie! And not just because it stars Keanu Reeves. A story about a man who is deep in a gambling addiction and agrees to coach an inner city little league team as a condition of getting a loan from a friend. A typical premise, but the child actors truly made the difference in this film. You cannot help but feel for the kids and the struggles they face in their lives. And how can you not love G-Baby??? And now whenever I hear Notorious BIG's Big Poppa, I think of this movie. A compelling family friendly movie with drama and tons of heart.
5. The Sandlot (1993)
I don't know any person, who was a child during the 90s, that did not see this film. A true classic baseball film that had all baseball fans shaking their heads when the question "Who's the great Bambino?" was asked.
A film about a young boy who moves to a new neighbourhood and wants to learn to play baseball in order to fit in with a group of baseball-loving misfits. The story revolves around this group of kids and their adventures in baseball and other summer antics. It's funny, has a message and will definitely make you remember your childhood and the antics you got into with your friends.
Not only a classic baseball film, The Sandlot is also a classic kids film.
4. Moneyball (2011)
A baseball themed movie that is more about the behind the scenes operations of a baseball club than the actual game.
The film is based on a true story of Oakland A's manager Billy Beane, a once highly ranked baseball prospect who didn't end up playing as well as expected, successful attempt at putting together a baseball team on a budget, employing a computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.Way better than expected, the film's focus was that of a documentary, not a feature film. Strong acting performances (even from Brad Pitt) and a strong storyline, captivate the audience. Makes you wonder what really goes on behind closed does in sport organizations.
A good mix of a character story (Beane) and a over-arching theme of baseball.
3. Rookie of the Year (1993)
"Pitcher's got a big butt"
Growing up, every kid I knew was chanting this line.
Rookie of the Year was THE kid baseball movie. A story about a young boy who despite having little talent, dreamed of playing baseball just like his late father. He suffers a broken arm that eventually heals too tightly, allowing him to throw pitches at an alarmingly fast speed. After throwing a ball from outfield to home plate at Wrigley Field, he is recruited to be the pitcher that helps the struggling Chicago Cubs.
This film is everything a sports film should be: it has laughs, heart and lots of sports scenes! A guaranteed winner for any baseball or sports fans out there.
2. A League of Their Own (1992)
"There's no crying in baseball!"
This memorable quote from Tom Hanks was ranked 54th on the American Film Institute's List of Greatest Film Quotes of All Time. And it's easy to see why: everyone knows there's no crying in baseball!
A completely different aspect of the baseball and sports genres, this story is a fictionalized account of the real life All American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Though I'm a little biased, as I am a girl and I do play baseball, this film, like Rookie of the Year, encompasses everything a sports film needs: laughs, heart and lots of baseball. And like Rookie of the Year, this movie was a staple in my childhood. Great acting performances from some of the 90s biggest stars, helm the film's strong storyline - Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna. I still find myself watching this film at least once a year.
If you haven't seen this film yet, why haven't you?
1. Major League (1989)
Well, there's one main reason why this film tops my list of greatest baseball movies: I cannot watch baseball, play baseball or even think about baseball without referencing this film. It is downright hilarious.
The story focuses on the worst team in the MLB (at the time) - The Cleveland Indians. The new owner puts together a team of the worst players in order to guarantee a last place finish and successfully relocate the team to Miami. The team starts off struggling but finds their niche and soon win their first pennant in 30 years.
Not a stellar storyline, but the acting, jokes and baseball scenes more than make up for it.
A film that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a must for any baseball fan.
3 comments:
So what I'm hearing is I'll be Keanu in a few years lol. And it's true every time I hear Big Poppa I fo sho think of Hardball!
I agree that Moneyball was way better than expected. I don't really like baseball nor am I a huge Pitt fan, but I'd see it again no problem.
And I'll remember lines from The Sandlot for. ev. er.
I agree that Moneyball was way better than expected. I don't really like baseball nor am I a huge Pitt fan, but I'd see it again no problem.
And I'll remember lines from The Sandlot for. ev. er.
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