I’m going to continue something I started last week by listing my favourite scripted sports movies, after looking at my favourite sports documentaries last week.
I’ve boiled down a list of 20 movies I consider to be my favourites — not necessarily the best.
There are some sports movies that are considered great that are not on this list. Some of those movies did not make it because I haven’t seen them (Hoosiers, Raging Bull), there’s just not enough actual sports action in them (Field of Dreams) or I just don’t think they’re that good (The Natural).
As I looked at this final list, I realized it’s not a cavalcade of cinematic classics. There’s a lot of schmaltz, corniness and bad acting in some of these flicks. But ultimately, while there may be better films, these are the ones I enjoy the most. When it comes to sports movies I like David beating Goliath, true stories and improbable outcomes.
Because of the length, I’ll have 11 to 20 this week and 1 to 10 next week. So, for better or worse, here goes:
20. Caddyshack — This just barely squeaked out the much less regarded skiing flick Hot Dog . . . The Movie. While the golf in this flick is limited, it makes the list just for some of Bill Murray’s ridiculous quotes (“Big hitter, the Lama”) and a gopher that dances to Kenny Loggins’ song I’m Alright.
19. Rollerball — I’m referring here to the 1975 James Caan classic not the 2002 remake. This is without a doubt the most depressing movie on this list, with its creepy soundtrack, bleak, depressing view of the future and violent and deadly game play of the futuristic sport of rollerball. But overall, this is still an entertaining look at the important role sports can have in society.
18. Remember the Titans — This schmaltzy, Disney-made Denzel Washington tearjerker hits the right notes. It’s a heartwarming tale of black and white kids from different parts of town being forced together by high school integration and then forming a solid football team. The football action is quite realistic and enjoyable.
17. Rocky IV — OK, I realize the original Rocky won the Oscar and it is a solid film but its also quite slow at times and just isn’t my favourite. Instead, Rocky IV is my Rocky of choice. Despite its corny U.S. versus Soviet Union theme of can’t-we-all-just-get-along and some of the action that pushes the viewers’ suspension of disbelief, I still get chills when the Soviet fans, including a Mikhail Gorbachev look-a-like, cheer for Rocky at the end.
16. Dodgeball — Yes, this movie about a high-stakes dodgeball tournament is utterly ludicrous but Rip Torn’s line “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball” still makes me laugh my guts out.
15. For Love of the Game — This is the least-respected of Kevin Costner’s baseball flicks but I like how it weaves his character’s reflections on his personal life in with the action of him pitching a perfect game in his final appearance. It’s cheesy, but sometimes I like cheese.
14. The Bingo Long Traveling All Stars & Motor Kings — Winner of the longest title on this list, this 1976 film about a barnstorming negro baseball team in the 1930s is entertaining as well as illuminating. Plus, you can’t beat a movie featuring Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones and Richard Pryor.
13. There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble — The first British contribution to the list, this tale of a shy kid turning into a high school soccer star thanks to, he thinks, his magic boots (turns out he’s just as good without them) and getting an offer to join his favourite team, Manchester City, is a fun watch, plus it’s not pure cheese, as it has a nice edge to it.
12. Miracle — I like good hockey and this film has plenty of good hockey action. The improbable tale of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team is worthy of a movie and this attempt is very enjoyable. The painful scene of head coach Herb Brooks, played by Kurt Russell, forcing the U.S. team to continue to skate wind sprints over and over again after a poor performance in Norway is etched in my memory.
11. Men With Brooms — Yes this is corny, the premise unlikely and the curling action often either incorrect or completely improbable (not one but two exploding rocks? Come off it!) but I still laugh whenever I see it. Leslie Nielsen, as the stoned father/former Brier champ is a hoot, especially when he explains that he is high on mushrooms before the first game because he is not playing, just coaching, and he has to see “the big picture.”
That’s it for now, I’ll finish this up next week.
Jason Small can be reached at 691-1255.
