Headed into the serious part of the Major League Baseball season, not to mention seeing tomorrow’s (hopefully steroid-free) stars in the Little League World Series, I am going to suggest The Natural (1984) for a solid, late-summer night viewing.
Based on the Bernard Malamud novel and directed by the estimable Barry Levinson, this Robert Redford vehicle is part period piece, part romance, part drama, and all mystique; It has stood the test of time and is still widely-refereced a full thirty years after its release.
Other notable performances include Glenn Close, a cagey Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, and the great Wilford Brimley. An elder statesmen role played by Richard Farnsworth, and a younger Michael Madsen also add to the high quality cast.
You will not find too many films with better cinematography, to boot.
An unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league in this magical sports fantasy. With the aid of a bat cut from a lightning struck tree, Hobbs lives the fame he should have had earlier when, as a rising pitcher, he is inexplicably shot by a young woman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DST3ZCnRgfw
Sorry – might be a good movie – but Malamud hated it. Noteably because of the ending. There are better baseball movies.
There are quite a few great baseball movies. I think this one has a good lasting effect.
Here’s a good picture show you might enjoy reading on the potential for an extended rally to the current up leg.
http://caldaro.wordpress.com/2014/08/23/weekend-update-462/
@figesmalls- Have you met a writer who hasn’t, at best, had a mild distaste for their screenplay adaptation? Malamud’s novel took a complete 180 at the end where the protagonists final actions in no way followed his values leading up to his ultimate decision. The movie version of Hobbs is on the Mount Rushmore of screenplay characters little boys can admire. Humble, diligent, and loyal are but of few of Hobb’s characteristics. If I get only 5 movies I get to watch with my son in life, this makes the list. Great spot as always Chess. Enjoy your weekend.
Great point, thanks Chedda. Have a great weekend.
Excellent pick and pic and flick
Thank you, comet
You did not mention that then babe Kim Bassinger. She played a great role as the temptress as Roy had to banging her like an old screen door.
Good point, flicker. She’s great, too.