There are few things that I hate worse in this world than sports. And that basically applies to all sports. I get physically uncomfortable if I'm forced to watch a game on television. Like, I don't even watch the Super Bowl despite all the hype around the commercials. So you'd think I'd equally hate movies and television shows about sports--but you'd be wrong.
In fact, the opposite is true. I LOVE movies about sports. Remember the Titans, Moneyball, Dodgeball, Field of Dreams, etc. You name it, I probably love it. So this week, I'm going to talk about my favorite sports movie: The Sandlot.
In fact, the opposite is true. I LOVE movies about sports. Remember the Titans, Moneyball, Dodgeball, Field of Dreams, etc. You name it, I probably love it. So this week, I'm going to talk about my favorite sports movie: The Sandlot.
Released in 1993, The Sandlot totally still holds up today as just a delightful film. It's about a group of young boys in the early 60's who play baseball in the neighborhood sandlot. Maybe it's not the greatest movie or the most well-acted. Maybe it's not even really a sports movie, since it lacks the final Big Game. But watching it fills you with so much nostalgia, it's near impossible to not be seduced.
While I've never actually been a twelve year old boy, I have a pretty strong suspicion that this movie speaks directly to the idealized standard twelve year old boy experience. What do they care about? Baseball. Friends. Family. Girls (but only sometimes). And fun. Watching this movie is like watching the version of reality we all wish existed, and sometimes like to pretend did when we think nostalgically about the past. It's what every child's life should be like. Their biggest concern should be about getting to play baseball and hang out with their friends.
While I've never actually been a twelve year old boy, I have a pretty strong suspicion that this movie speaks directly to the idealized standard twelve year old boy experience. What do they care about? Baseball. Friends. Family. Girls (but only sometimes). And fun. Watching this movie is like watching the version of reality we all wish existed, and sometimes like to pretend did when we think nostalgically about the past. It's what every child's life should be like. Their biggest concern should be about getting to play baseball and hang out with their friends.
Many call The Sandlot a coming-of-age tale rather than a sports movie, and they may have a point. This isn't a movie where the team must train really hard to win the big game. In fact, there is no big game. The climactic scene doesn't involve a baseball game at all. And in the end, most of these kids will not grow up to be sports stars. Instead, it's about one summer, where a group of kids learn some life lessons.
So, yeah. Maybe not the greatest sports movie, but it's still my favorite. And one that I think deserves a re-watch. I mean, it's got James Earl Jones in it, which isn't nothing. In order to help with The Sandlot celebration, I'll be back tomorrow with a Sandlot themed treat, and on Wednesday I'll be doing some casual cosplay.
Post by Rachel Paxton. She thinks it's a real shame that her son probably isn't old enough to enjoy this movie. Cheer her up by suggesting sports movies for toddlers on Twitter.
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