Al's Top Rated Films: Sports and Sports Biographies
These are my favorite films that have to do with sports of any kind. I'll continue to add to the list as I see more.
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- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsSylvester StalloneTalia ShireBurt YoungA small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.Flawless sports drama from John G. Avildsen and Sylvester Stallone set in Philadelphia 1975, and follows an unknown southpaw boxer named Rocky who struggles to make a living by fighting in dangerous small-time boxing matches and working as a shady debt collector. He would also love to start dating a shy and recluse pet-store worker named Adrian, which is the sister of his best friend Paulie—who is generally spiteful and nasty to them both. Then one day he gets the chance of a lifetime to fight the world heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed, because Apollo and his marketing team want to drum-up publicity by giving a local Philadelphia 'nobody' a shot at the title; and they love his nickname, "The Italian Stallion". Through hard work and dedication with his veteran manager Mickey, struggles with Paulie's overt jealousy, and a series of top-notch inspiring montages, he makes his way to one of the best boxing matches set on film. It's also accompanied by a fantastic driving score that keeps the film rolling beautifully. Sylvester Stallone delivers the greatest lead performance of his career, which is evident by the longevity and inspiration the character of Rocky has carried over the years. Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, and Burgess Meredith also have fantastic and memorable starring roles. Tony Burton, Joe Spinell, Thayer David, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBobby FarrellyPeter FarrellyStarsWoody HarrelsonRandy QuaidBill MurrayA star bowler whose career was prematurely "cut off" hopes to ride a new prodigy to success and riches.Outstanding sports comedy from the Farrelly Brothers set in 1979, and follows a talented young bowler named Roy Munson who wins the Iowa state bowling championship and leaves home to go pro, which makes his proud father very happy. After some early success, his career is "cut short" after gambling with the wrong bowlers. The story flashes forward 17 years and finds Roy working as a washed-up bowling supplies salesman, and is about to be kicked out of his apartment since he can't make ends meet. One day when he's trying to peddle some merchandise to the local bowling alley, he meets an exceptional Amish bowler named Ishmael and gets the idea that he can be his coach and they can become business partners. He subsequently convinces him to enter a massive $1 million winner-take-all bowling tournament in Reno, Nevada. He ends up training Ishmael as they bet their way across the country, meeting shady betters, corrupt businessman, and a woman named Claudia who enters into their business agreement. It all leads up to Roy's confrontation with his past arch nemesis who's responsible for much of his heartache—pro bowler Ernie McCracken. Fantastic story, beautiful production design, excellent soundtrack, my favorite film from the Farrelly Brothers, and the greatest bowling movie of all time. Woody Harrelson delivers my all-time favorite lead performance in his entire filmography. I'd have to say the same about Randy Quaid and Bill Murray's exemplary performances. Their personalities fit the story and picture perfectly. Vanessa Angel, Lin Shaye, Rob Moran, Daniel Greene, William Jordan, Chris Elliott, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorHarold RamisStarsChevy ChaseRodney DangerfieldBill MurrayAn exclusive golf course has to deal with a flatulent new member and a destructive dancing gopher.Hilarious sports comedy from Harold Ramis, and easily the best golf film I've ever seen (even though "Happy Gilmore" [1996] comes close). The story follows a 17-year-old underachiever and caddie named Danny Noonan who finally decides he better go to college and figure out what he wants to do with his life. When he hears about a caddie scholarship from the pretentious and arrogant millionaire Judge Elihu Smails (the owner of the snobby country club where he works), he decides to suck up and do whatever he can to get the scholarship. Meanwhile, Smails begins to quarrel with a new classless and obnoxious club member named Al Czervik, who later on challenges Smails to a $40,000 doubles match with Ty Webb, who detests Smails just as much as Al does. Danny is friends with Ty, but is also trying to score money from Smails, which leaves him a tough spot when deciding which team to support. The cast of comedy greats is outstanding, and really makes the film shine. Michael O'Keefe, Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, and Ted Knight arguably deliver their best and most iconic lead performances of their careers. Sarah Holcomb, Scott Colomby, Cindy Morgan, Brian Doyle-Murray, Dan Resin, Henry Wilcoxon, Lois Kibbee, Peter Berkrot, John F. Barmon Jr., and others also had great roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsDaniel BrühlChris HemsworthOlivia WildeThe merciless 1970s rivalry between Formula One rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda.Scorching hot sports biopic from Ron Howard that follows the 1970s Formula One racing rivalry between English daredevil and ladies' man James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and his disciplined, cool and collected nemesis on the track, Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl). While they have sharply different personalities, lifestyles, and driving styles; their appetites to win fuels each other's careers and lifelong legacies as they battle through an unforgettable 1976 season. While I've never been a big fan of Formula One racing, this was one of the most exciting sports films I've seen of any kind. The story is epic, and the action, production, and details were superbly done. Both Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl deliver my favorite lead performances from them both. They both owned the characters and had some great chemistry throughout the film. Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Natalie Dormer, Pierfrancesco Favino, Raffaello Degruttola, Christian McKay, Vincent Riotta, and many others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorHal NeedhamStarsBart ConnerLori LoughlinBill AllenThe story of one young man, Cru Jones, who has the intensity and desire to win a BMX race called Helltrack.Extraordinary sports drama from Hal Needham set in a small town during the engrossing boom of BMX and freestyle bicycles that influenced a whole generation of kids like myself. The story follows a teen named Cru Jones who loves nothing more than riding BMX bikes and attempting daring stunts with his best friends. When news hits that a massive professional BMX race sponsored by Mongoose Bicycles named "Helltrack" is coming to their small town, Cru decides he must find a way to compete at a chance to win $100,000, a new Chevrolet Corvette, and a career in BMX. With the help of his new girlfriend Christian and the support of the entire school, Cru must prove that he possesses the raw determination and talent to take down all the top pros at the Super Bowl of all BMX races. I was way into BMX bikes in the 90s, so this ended up being my most-watched film of all-time as a kid. It's literally the very best and most unique film of its kind, and there has never been anything that has come close to a BMX/Freestyle anthem like this. World famous stuntman Hal Needham handled the directing duties, and it's pure gold. I've never seen Bill Allen in any other roles besides this, and he delivered a fantastic lead performance as Cru. Bart Conner, Lori Loughlin, Jack Weston, Ray Walston, Alfie Wise, Marta Kober, Jamie Clarke, Laura Jacoby, H.B. Haggerty, Chad Hayes, Carey W. Hayes, Kellie McQuiggin, Beverley Hendry, Nancy MacDonald, and all the totally RAD BMX racers in this film were absolutely fantastic. It also has one of the best soundtracks of all time. Still a movie I watch and love today.
- DirectorRobert RossenStarsPaul NewmanJackie GleasonPiper LaurieAn up-and-coming pool player plays a long-time champion in a single high-stakes match.Classic sports drama from Robert Rossen that follows a cocky and gifted pool player named "Fast" Eddie Felson who travels across the country with his hustling partner Charlie Burns, looking to take down legendary pool master "Minnesota Fats" in a high-stakes game of billiards. Fats is accompanied by his own hustling manager, Bert Gordon, and Eddie loses the marathon big time in an overconfident cloud of drunkenness. From there on, Eddie does some serious self-evaluation, and lifts himself back up by building character this time around. Meanwhile, he also falls in love with a beautiful, self-destructive, and depressed woman named Sarah Packard, who has a great affect on him. But his goal has not changed. He is still determined to take down "Minnesota Fats" and become one of the greats, so he gets in with Fats' manager Bert Gordon, which proves to have troubling and tragic consequences. Paul Newman is just about my favorite actor, and I'd have to say this is my favorite lead performance in his long and illustrious career. Piper Laurie plays the beautiful and melancholy Sarah Packard perfectly, whom Newman shares some great chemistry with throughout the film. George C. Scott puts on one of his finest roles as the money man Bert Gordon—the hustler behind the hustler. Jackie Gleason was also excellent as Minnesota Fats. Myron McCormick, Murray Hamilton, Michael Constantine, and others has great supporting roles. The film also features a fantastic jazz soundtrack/score.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsPaul NewmanTom CruiseMary Elizabeth MastrantonioFast Eddie Felson teaches a cocky but immensely talented protégé the ropes of pool hustling, which in turn inspires him to make an unlikely comeback.Outstanding sports drama and Martin Scorsese's most underrated picture. It's also my favorite in his his entire filmography. Scorsese resurrects Paul Newman's quintessential pool hall hustling performance as "Fast Eddie Felson" from the timeless billiard inspired 1961 classic, "The Hustler". Now middle-aged and a successful liquor salesman, Eddie recruits a young, cocky and extremely talented pool player named Vincent to hit the road and score huge dough in different pool halls across the country as they work their way to a big money tournament in Atlantic City. They encounter many dramatic and comical situations along the way as Eddie teaches Vincent and his girlfriend/manager Carmen the art of the hustle. But as time moves on, Eddie starts to remember that "money won is twice as sweet as money earned," and decides to pursue his own path as a competitor. Fantastic sequel and easily Newman's best later career lead performance. I'd also have to say this is one of my favorite Tom Cruise roles as well. His innocent turned arrogant personality fit the role beautifully. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio was also excellent as his girlfriend, Carmen. Helen Shaver, John Turturro, and Forest Whitaker have smaller, but excellent and memorable supporting roles. The score and soundtrack is also absolutely superb.
- DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsMark WahlbergChristian BaleAmy AdamsBased on the story of Micky Ward, a fledgling boxer who tries to escape the shadow of his more famous but troubled older boxing brother and get his own shot at greatness.Outstanding sports biopic from David O. Russell about boxing legend turned trainer, Dicky Ward, and his younger half-brother and aspiring boxing great, Micky Ward. Set in 1993 Massachusetts, Micky learns he must escape the home environment of his unmotivated crack addicted brother and selfishly controlling mother, to focus and earn his shot at the world light welterweight title. Fantastic story from start to finish, and definitely one of my all-time favorite boxing/fighting films. Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams all delivered excellent lead performances...arguably the best of all their careers. Melissa Leo, Jack McGee, Melissa McMeekin, Bianca Hunter, Erica McDermott, Jill Quigg, Dendrie Taylor, Kate B. O'Brien, Jenna Lamia, and many others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorBen AffleckStarsMatt DamonJason BatemanBen AffleckFollows the history of sports marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro, and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball, Michael Jordan.Outstanding sports drama and biography from Ben Affleck set in 1984, and follows a basketball talent scout and Nike shoe salesman named Sonny Vaccaro. Nike was the king of running shoes at the time, but their presence in the basketball market was nearly nonexistent. With a meager budget of only $250,000, Sonny is expected to recommend and sign 3 or 4 NBA players to represent Nike and turn the division around. Sonny finally realizes they need to spend the entire budget on one player and build a shoe line around that player's identity, for Nike to compete within an industry dominated by Adidas and Converse. And that one player is the third pick in the 1984 NBA Draft—Michael Jordan. I loved this movie from start to finish. Ben Affleck delivers his best direction to date, and really makes the entire cast shine with memorable and exemplary performances throughout. There wasn't a single actor or character that felt out of place, and the dialogue really made the story shine. I'll also have to say the funky 1980s R&B and hip-hop infused soundtrack drove the film along perfectly as well. Add all the nostalgic 1980s pop culture elements (complete with the perfect old school office space), and it's a beautiful time capsule from the past, and has become one of my favorite sports films of all time. Matt Damon delivers one of his all-time best lead performances. Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck, and Viola Davis also delivered some of their finest starring performances to date. Chris Tucker, Chris Messina, Julius Tennon, Matthew Maher, Marlon Wayans, Asanté Deshon, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsRalph MacchioPat MoritaElisabeth ShueA martial arts master agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager.Excellent coming-of-age sports drama from John G. Avildsen that follows a troubled 17-year-old named Daniel LaRusso who moves from New Jersey to California with his widowed mother in an effort to make a better life for themselves. While Daniel has immediate luck making friends and meeting a gorgeous blonde named Ali, he soon finds himself being terrorized by a karate gang from the local Cobra Kai dojo, headed up by their leader Johnny Lawrence and trained by a ruthless and vindictive Vietnam Veteran by the name of John Kreese. When he gets beat-up bad in a scuffle with Cobra Kai after a prank-gone-bad at the school's Halloween party, the maintenance man from his apartment complex (Mr. Miyagi) ends up intervening and defending Daniel with his own unbreakable style of karate. Mr. Miyagi soon agrees to train Daniel his style of karate to defend himself, which leads to a traumatic challenge with him and Cobra Kai at the All Valley Karate Championship. This is a nostalgic favorite for me, and I've seen it hundreds of times. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita are simply one if my favorite duos in cinema history. They both delivered the best lead performances of their career. William Zabka, Elisabeth Shue, and Martin Kove also had excellent starring roles. Randee Heller, Ron Thomas, Rob Garrison, Chad McQueen, Pat E. Johnson, Bruce Malmuth, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGavin O'ConnorStarsTom HardyNick NolteJoel EdgertonThe youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament - a path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his estranged, older brother.Fantastic action-packed sports drama from Gavin O'Connor that follows the complicated and history-torn Conlon family of fighters. The father Paddy is a former trainer and alcoholic, and is estranged from both of his sons. When his youngest son Tommy shows up on his doorstep after leaving 14 years earlier, he finds his father sober and and rediscovering his faith, and asks him to him train to compete in a mixed martial arts tournament with a $5 million winner-takes-all prize. Meanwhile, Paddy's older son Brendan is a high school physics teacher and former UFC fighter who is struggling to pay his bills. He also has a poor relationship with Paddy, and is completely alienated from his brother Tommy due to bitter drama from the past. In an effort to turn his life around, both brothers enter the same tournament, which results in a most epic showdown between both brothers/warriors. Fantastic story, acting, drama, and action all around. One of the finest sports dramas of its kind. Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte all arguably delivered their all-time best performances. They were all fantastic, and couldn't be casted any better. Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Kevin Dunn, Kurt Angle, Anthony Johnson, Noah Emmerich, Bryan Callen, Sam Sheridan, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsMickey RourkeMarisa TomeiEvan Rachel WoodA faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle.Fantastic drama from Darren Aronofsky about the rise, struggles, and fall of a legendary professional wrestler. It definitely paints a heartbreaking picture of an aging man who only knows and loves wrestling, and the bleak outlook on life outside of the ring. You learn a lot about the pain and struggles these professional athletes go through—often times for very little compensation. I would have to say it's Mickey Rourke's finest lead performance to date. He owned the role beautifully. The same could be said for Marisa Tomei's excellent performance. Evan Rachel Wood, Dylan Keith Summers, Tommy Farra, and John D'Leo has nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorBennett MillerStarsBrad PittRobin WrightJonah HillOakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.Excellent baseball biopic that follows the Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane after they loose the 2001 playoffs to the New York Yankees, and his struggles to build a team with less than 1/3 the budget than a team like the Yankees. After being told his budget will not increase, he starts thinking outside the box, and recruits a math and statistics wizard who developed a formula to find 25 undervalued and overlooked players who produce real results on the field, that is within the Oakland A's budget. They get off to a slow start, but things dramatically improve as they tweak the formula. Extremely fascinating how they changed the game of baseball forever with their fresh approach to recruiting. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill both deliver a couple of their all-time best lead performances. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Chris Pratt, Robin Wright, Brent Jennings, Ken Medlock, Kerris Dorsey, Arliss Howard, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsHilary SwankClint EastwoodMorgan FreemanFrankie, an ill-tempered old coach, reluctantly agrees to train aspiring boxer Maggie. Impressed with her determination and talent, he helps her become the best and the two soon form a close bond.Powerful sports drama from Clint Eastwood about a highly determined 32-year-old waitress from a poor and uncaring family that becomes one of the best professional female boxers in her class when she persuades an ill-tempered veteran boxing trainer to coach and manage her. This is definitely my favorite performance from Hilary Swank. She put on an incredible performance. Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman also deliver some of their finest lead roles. Lucia Rijker, Jay Baruchel, Mike Colter, Brían F. O'Byrne, Anthony Mackie, Margo Martindale, and many others had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorSylvester StalloneStarsSylvester StalloneTalia ShireBurt YoungRocky struggles in family life after his bout with Apollo Creed, while the embarrassed champ insistently goads him to accept a challenge for a rematch.Fantastic sequel completely directed, written, and starring Sylvester Stallone. The story picks up right after the final fight from the first film, with both fighters being rushed to the hospital to get patched up after their relentlessly bloody battle in the ring. Rocky begins to enjoy life with the money rolling in from the fight and endorsement deals, as well as building a new life with his new wife, Adrian. Apollo Creed is immediately embarrassed and upset about the results of the fight, and endlessly provokes Rocky into a rematch that he isn't initially interested in. But when Rocky's money runs out, his endorsement deals break down, and he has no skills to make a living at a regular job, he's forced to get back in the ring with Apollo for the tremendously thrilling rematch the entire public has been dying for. This was easily my favorite Rocky movie as a kid, and it still holds up as a near-perfect sequel today. Probably my most watched film in the franchise. Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers both arguably deliver their greatest lead performances. Talia Shire, Burt Young, and Burgess Meredith also had great starring roles. Tony Burton, Joe Spinell, Sylvia Meals, Frank McRae, Bill Baldwin, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorPenny MarshallStarsTom HanksGeena DavisLori PettyTwo sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.Excellent sports drama from Penny Marshall that presents the first female professional baseball league in 1943, which was created to help keep baseball alive while men were away fighting World War II. The story mainly follows Dottie Hinson and her young sister Kit, who are both excellent baseball players in their local Oregon farm-based fast-pitch softball league. An ill-mannered talent scout from the league sees them play and recruits them to the program. Struggles with rules, other players, coaches, and other obstacles faces each woman as all of their men are off fighting war. And a battle between sisters becomes inevitable when Dottie becomes the star of the league, which sets a fire under Kit, who feels her purpose for living is to play baseball. The writing, acting, and cinematography is superbly done throughout. It may be my favorite baseball film of all time. Geena Davis and Lori Petty all both deliver fantastic lead performances. Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Rosie O'Donnell also deliver excellent starring roles. Megan Cavanagh, Tracy Reiner, Bitty Schram, Ann Cusack, Anne Ramsay, Freddie Simpson, Renée Coleman, David Strathairn, Garry Marshall, Jon Lovitz, Garry Marshall, Bill Pullman, Don S. Davis, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBrian HelgelandStarsChadwick BosemanT.R. KnightHarrison FordIn 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and faces considerable racism in the process.Fantastic sports biopic about the life of Jackie Robinson, and how he became the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. Great story set in 1947, which finds Robinson facing extreme racism among the public, fans, coaches, teammates, and players on other teams. Incredible to see he was able to break through the barriers and become one of the most influential sports figures of all time. Chadwick Boseman gave an absolutely incredible performance...arguably his best. And Harrison Ford also had a great later day lead performance. André Holland, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni, Ryan Merriman, Lucas Black, Alan Tudyk, John C. McGinley, and several others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroCathy MoriartyJoe PesciThe life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it.Excellent biopic from Martin Scorsese set in the Bronx, New York City, 1941–1964, and follows the troubled life of middleweight boxing champion, Jake LaMotta. He's completely vicious in the ring, and he can be just as vicious and violent to his friends and family in real life. With rage fueled by intense paranoia and jealousy surrounding his wife Vickie, he goes off the deep end believing she's sleeping with every man she speaks to. When his manager, best friend, and brother Joey who also gets Jake's business mixed up with the mafia, certain events brings out the rage in Jake, and centers on Joey as well, which sets off a dismal chain of events. Robert De Niro delivered a very powerful and intense Oscar-winning lead performance as Jake. Joe Pesci also delivers one of his all-time best roles as Joey, along with Cathy Moriarty. Frank Vincent, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana, Mario Gallo, Frank Adonis, Frank Topham, Lori Anne Flax, Bernie Allen, Johnny Barnes, and others also had very nice roles among the great supporting cast.
- DirectorDennis DuganStarsAdam SandlerChristopher McDonaldJulie BowenAfter his grandmothers house is repossessed by the IRS, bad tempered hockey player takes his talents to golf to earn the big bucks and get his grandmothers house back.Hilarious sports comedy from Dennis Dugan that follows an aspiring Connecticut-based hockey player named Happy Gilmore who has a massively powerful slap shot. However, he really can't skate, and his "goon" like behavior keeps him off the ice. While he still harbors delusions of becoming a pro hockey player, his grandmother's house goes into foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. Since he has a wicked slap shot, he goes to the local golf driving range to make some dough by taking bets in a long-drive contest using his grandfather's old golf clubs. He's quickly noticed by a former pro golfer turned club trainer named Chubbs Peterson, who convinces Happy to join the PGA Tour to help him make the money to buy his grandma's house back. Many hilarious characters and situations present themselves on his way to the finish line. I'd have to say this is the best golf film since "Caddyshack" (1980). The casting is perfect and the story is lighthearted and outrageously entertaining throughout. Adam Sandler arguably delivers his best and most iconic lead performance. Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin) and Carl Weathers (Chubbs) also had fantastic starring roles. Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, Allen Covert, Bob Barker, Richard Kiel, Kevin Nealon, Ben Stiller, Dennis Dugan, Robert Smigel, and others also had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorBilly CrystalStarsBarry PepperThomas JaneAnthony Michael HallRoger Maris and Mickey Mantle race to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record.Fantastic historical baseball biography on the 1961 season of New York Yankees Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle, and their battle to break Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs. While Roger Maris was uneasy around the press and often looked surly on the field, Mickey Mantle was loved by everyone, which had the press pitting the two against each other in the media, creating heavy stress amongst the two. Regardless, they remained great friends (even living together), and a true redemption story takes place when Mickey Mantle's health issues hit hard, and he's forced to retire—making Maris the true star of the team. Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane both deliver the best performances I've seen from them. They had great interaction throughout the picture. Bruce McGill, Chris Bauer, Anthony Michael Hall, Richard Masur, Jennifer Crystal Foley, Christopher McDonald, Bob Gunton, Donald Moffat, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorCraig GillespieStarsMargot RobbieSebastian StanAllison JanneyCompetitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.Excellent sports biopic on the life of figure skater Tonya Harding. The story starts in1970s Portland, and follows Tonya as her emotionally and physically abusive mother who forces her into skating, to her dysfunctional and atypical marriage, to her rise in the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, to her scandalous incident with fellow skater, Nancy Kerrigan. When examining the aftermath of the incidents and her banning from figure skating, it's hard not to feel bad for her, as she's suffered her entire existence up to that point, let alone her actual involvement the the crime against Nancy Kerrigan. Margot Robbie delivers an outstanding lead performance as Tonya. Definitely my favorite role of hers to date. Allison Janney was also phenomenal playing her mother. Mckenna Grace, Sebastian Stan, Paul Walter Hauser, Julianne Nicholson, Bobby Cannavale, Caitlin Carver, Jason Davis, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsJake GyllenhaalRachel McAdamsOona LaurenceAfter a fatal incident sends him on a rampant path of destruction, a champion boxer fights to get custody of his daughter and revive his professional career.Fantastic boxing-inspired crime drama from Antoine Fuqua that follows the troubling life of the light-heavyweight boxing champion of the world when his wife is devastatingly shot and killed after a quarrel with a rival boxer. The altercation gets him banned from boxing for a year, as her death sends him into a vicious cycle of pain, depression, and sadly causes him to lose custody of their 10-year-old daughter to social services. When he gets motivated to get his life back on track, he seeks the help of veteran boxer to train him and compete in the most important match of his life. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers another very ambitious and superbly executed performance lead performances. He played his gritty role perfectly. Forest Whitaker also delivered one of his finest performances as trainer Tick Wills. Oona Laurence was a standout playing the daughter, as was Rachel McAdams. 50 Cent, Naomie Harris, Beau Knapp, Miguel Gomez, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGavin O'ConnorStarsKurt RussellPatricia ClarksonNathan WestThe true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Soviet squad.Excellent history sports biopic that follows player-turned-coach Herb Brooks, who miraculously led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team against a legendary battle against the seemingly unstoppable Soviet Union team, in what could be called one of the biggest upsets in the history of sports. Awesome story with great writing and acting. Kurt Russell arguably delivers his best performance as the ruthless and dedicated Herb Brooks. Noah Emmerich, Patricia Clarkson, Sean McCann, Eddie Cahill, Patrick O'Brien Demsey, Michael Mantenuto, Kenneth Mitchell, and many others had great supporting roles. Likely my favorite hockey film of all time.
- DirectorJonah HillStarsSunny SuljicKatherine WaterstonLucas HedgesFollows Stevie, a thirteen-year-old in 1990s-era Los Angeles who spends his summer navigating between his troubled home life and a group of new friends that he meets at a Motor Avenue skate shop.Fantastic coming-of-age drama, and the first film to be directed and written by Jonah Hill. Great throwback story about am eccentric 13-year-old boy named Stevie with a troubled home life who finds happiness when he makes friends with a group of older skateboarders who take him under their wing. As he learns fast lessons with alcohol, weed, and girls, the lifestyle starts to consume his life as he rebels against his mother and older brother. I thought this a great glimpse into the 90s era, which really brought back nostalgic memories of hanging out with your best friends at the impressional age of 13. Great writing and acting all around. Sunny Suljic delivered an outstanding lead performance. He has a bright future with level of acting he represented. Na-kel Smith, Olan Prenatt, Lucas Hedges, Gio Galicia, Ryder McLaughlin, Katherine Waterston, Alexa Demie, Fig Camila Abner, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorFrank CoraciStarsAdam SandlerKathy BatesHenry WinklerA waterboy for a college football team discovers he has a unique tackling ability and becomes a member of the team.Hilarious sports comedy about a simple and socially inept waterboy who's constantly being bullied by the University of Louisiana Cougars football team, and gets fired for "distracting" the players. When he starts working as waterboy for the South Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs, they discover he is a savagely fierce tackler, and becomes the star player of the worst college team in the league. Along with Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, this rounds out my favorite trio of Adam Sandler movies. He was superb throughout. I'd have to say it's probably my favorite football movie as well. Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler, and Fairuza Balk, Jerry Reed, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Blake Clark, Jonathan Loughran, and Peter Dante all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsMatt DamonChristian BaleJon BernthalAmerican car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.Fantastic action-packed biopic from James Mangold on the lives of American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles, as they work to pioneer a revolutionary race car that can beat the flawless speed of the Ferrari at the 1966 24-hour Le Mans race in France. Excellent historical story with great acting and fantastic racing action. Matt Damon and Christian Bale are a couple of my favorites, and they both turned out a couple of their finest lead performances. Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Tracy Letts, Remo Girone, Ray McKinnon, Corrado Invernizzi, Francesco Bauco, and Rudolf Martin also had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorSam WoodStarsGary CooperTeresa WrightBabe RuthThe story of the life and career of famed baseball player Lou Gehrig.Superb and fascinating biopic about one of the greatest baseball players that ever lived—Lou Gehrig. Excellent story and drama surrounding the New York Yankees 1930s legacy, and follows Gehrig's time as he played in 2130 consecutive games and hit 493 home runs, before passing at age 37 to ALS—which was aptly named "Lou Gehrig's disease" since he was the first widely known figure to get it. Gary Cooper arguably gave his all-time best performance. The same could be said for Teresa Wright's excellent role as his wife, Eleanor Gehrig. Walter Brennan arguably delivers his best performance as sportswriter Sam Blake. Dan Duryea, Babe Ruth, Elsa Janssen, and Ludwig Stössel also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorDavid ZuckerStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneDian BacharTwo childhood friends are pro athletes of a national sport called BASEketball, a hybrid of baseball and basketball, and must deal with a greedy businessman scheming against their team.Hilarious and underrated sports comedy from hysterical film director David Zucker and South Park's Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Great story about two best friends and slackers who invent a sport that's a hybrid of baseball and basketball, called "BASEketball". When the sport goes national and there is serious money to be made, a greedy businessman tries to take control and make changes to the sport for his and the stockholders' benefit. Trey Parker and Matt Stone both deliver hilarious and excellent lead performances. Dian Bachar, Ernest Borgnine, Yasmine Bleeth, Robert Vaughn, Jenny McCarthy, Trevor Einhorn, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsRussell CroweRenée ZellwegerCraig BierkoThe true story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer, who returned to the spotlight to win the heavyweight championship of the world.Incredible sports biopic from Ron Howard about Great Depression era boxer James J. Braddock, and the challenges he overcame to become the heavyweight champion of the world. He was once expected to be the next greatest prizefighter in the late 1920s; but by the early 1930s, he was beaten and washed up. When financial stresses hit hard among him and his family, he decides to start fighting again, makes an unbelievable comeback, and faces a supposed indestructible opponent for the heavyweight championship. Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, and Paul Giamatti all delivered arguably the best lead performances of their careers. They were all fantastic. Great supporting cast throughout.
- DirectorReinaldo Marcus GreenStarsWill SmithAunjanue Ellis-TaylorJon BernthalA look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard.Excellent sports biopic about groundbreaking tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, and their father/coach Richard Williams, who uses his determination and a 78-page plan of success he built for his daughters to triumph at all costs—despite growing up in a poor, rough, and crime-ridden area of Compton, California in the early 1990s. It's an incredible story of breaking barriers that brings them from their humble beginnings to the renowned 1994 Wimbledon tennis tournament against top-seeded Arantxa Sánchez Vicario. I've never seen a film about tennis before, and the story and action was fantastic all around. Will Smith arguably delivers the finest role of his career. He nailed his performance perfectly. Saniyya Sidney (Venus), Demi Singleton (Serena), Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, Mikayla Lashae Bartholomew, Daniele Lawson, Layla Crawford, Christopher Wallinger, Chase Del Rey, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBoaz YakinStarsDenzel WashingtonWill PattonWood HarrisIn 1971 Virginia high school football was everything to the people of Alexandria. But when the school board was forced to integrate an all-black school with an all-white one, the very foundation of football's tradition was put to the test.Excellent sports drama and biopic about Herman Boone—the newly appointed African-American football coach of desegregated T. C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971. Since most schools in Virginia were segregated at the time, having a mix of black and white players/coaches was very controversial, and eventually becomes a point of pride among the community when they learn to respect and work with each other. One of the best football movie I've ever seen. Denzel Washington and Will Patton played their coaching roles great. But it's all the young actors that really brings this film full circle. Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst, Donald Faison, Ethan Suplee, and Ryan Gosling were all excellent, among many others.
- DirectorStacy PeraltaStarsTony AlvaSteve CaballeroFred DurstWhen six teenage boys came together as a skateboarding team in the 1980s, they reinvented not only their chosen sport but themselves too - as they evolved from insecure outsiders to the most influential athletes in the field.Fascinating and superbly done documentary. If you're into skateboarding, I don't think there's another documentary that could represent the history of the sport better. Great story that follows skateboarder and film-maker and Stacy Peralta as he assembled an immensely talented team of 6 skate-boarders that helped popularize the sport in the 1980s. Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Tommy Guerrero, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen, Stacy Peralta, and George Powell are all represented greatly with awesome early footage and interviews. Even if you aren't that into skate-boarding, it's a great watch all the way through.
- DirectorHoite C. CastonStarsPeter BillingsleyStuart PankinAnne BloomJack, despite his mother's anger, saves a local hot dog stand from corrupt big business using a magic bike, becoming the town hero.Severely Underrated fantasy-driven family comedy that follows a young teenager named Jack Simmons who lives with his working class single mother and is obsessed with motocross and dirt bikes. One day his mom gives him their last $50 to buy the groceries while she goes out for a job interview. Jack takes the money and heads out to the local motocross track, where he ends up trading his BMX bike and the $50 for a beat-up dirt bike. While his mom is very upset, he soon discovers the dirt bike possesses a mind of its own, along with magical powers that include flying. When he and his friends learn that a greedy bank executive named Mr. Hodgkins plans to build his new bank branch on the location of a local hotdog shop and hangout their baseball coach and friend Mike owns, they do everything they can to save the shop; and the dirt bike proves to be a handy tool in the process. This is one of my most watched films growing up since I was so big into BMX bikes and extreme sports. Surprisingly, I still really love this film today, and am quite happy they released it on a remastered blu-ray. Peter Billingsley arguably delivers his best lead performance of his young career (A Christmas Story is also one of my favorites). Stuart Pankin (Mr. Hodgkins) also had an excellent starring role. Patrick Collins, Anne Bloom, Patrick Collins, Sage Parker, Chad Sheets, Gavin Allen, Danny Breen, Weasel Forshaw, John William Galt, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSimon CurtisStarsKevin CostnerMilo VentimigliaJackie MinnsThrough his bond with his owner, aspiring Formula One race car driver Denny, golden retriever Enzo learns that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life.Fantastic comedy drama that follows a very special golden retriever named Enzo, and his Formula One race car driving owner Denny. The story is told from Enzo's point of view, and details the inspiring events of of Denny's life as he meets his new wife, has a child, and also faces devastating loss, which results in a bitter legal battle which nearly causes him to lose his daughter and everything important in his life. Enzo is there every step of the way as he faithfully fulfills his life journey. Milo Ventimiglia and Amanda Seyfried both delivered excellent lead performances, but it was really Kevin Costner narrating the voce of Enzo that made this film so special. He has the perfect vernacular to express his thoughts, that are often times hilarious and extremely heart-wrenching. This was an extremely emotional ride all around—prepare to laugh and cry. Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kathy Baker, Martin Donovan, Marcus Hondro, Ian Lake, Gary Cole, and Lily Dodsworth-Evans all had excellent roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsPat MoritaRalph MacchioPat E. JohnsonDaniel accompanies his mentor, Mr. Miyagi, to Miyagi's childhood home in Okinawa. Miyagi visits his dying father and confronts his old rival, while Daniel falls in love and inadvertently makes a new rival of his own.This has always been an underrated sequel to John G. Avildsen's classic 1986 coming-of-age underdog tale. The story follows Mr. Miyagi after receiving a letter from Okinawa informing him that his father had passed away, and that he needs to return to settle his family affairs. Daniel decides to join Mr. Miyagi to learn about Okinawa and his upbringing. Upon arriving, they run into his old friend and former karate student of his father's, Sato, and his nephew Chozen. Sato immediately threatens to kill Miyagi due to the way he left Okinawa decades ago, which sets off a boiling conflict between the two, and also between Daniel and Chozen. Meanwhile, Miyagi rekindles his relationship with a former sweetheart Yukie, and things heat up with Daniel and beautiful young woman named Kumiko. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita prove to be a fantastic duo once again, and both deliver excellent lead performances. Danny Kamekona, Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita, and Nobu McCarthy also have excellent starring roles. Martin Kove, William Zabka, Charlie Tanimoto, BD Wong, Traci Toguchi, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsQuinton AaronSandra BullockTim McGrawThe story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.Excellent sports biopic about that follows the story of Michael Oher—a boy who grew up homeless due to an absent father and a drug-addicted mother. One day a conservative white woman (Leigh Anne Tuohy) and her family welcome Michael into their home after learning about his past, and provides him the proper education, comfort, love, home life, and the opportunity to play football. He shocks everyone with his game-play—and becomes a first-round NFL draft pick—fulfilling dreams that once seemed unattainable. Quinton Aaron delivered an excellent lead performance, and this just might be Sandra Bullock's best performance ever. Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kathy Bates, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsDenzel WashingtonMilla JovovichRay AllenA basketball player's father must try to convince him to go to a college so he can get a shorter sentence.Excellent sports drama from Spike Lee about a man who's spent 6 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, and gets the opportunity to get out early if he's able to convince his son and star basketball prospect to go to college at Big State at the request of the New York governor. As his son comes up in the poor area of Coney Island, everyone from his girlfriend to his coaches and family members whats a piece of his future money and success. This film is so great because of the excellent character development and sincere dialogue. Denzel Washington and Ray Allen both deliver superb lead performances, while Rosario Dawson and Milla Jovovich both hold down complex co-starring roles. Hill Harper, Roger Guenveur Smith, Jim Brown, Bill Nunn, Ned Beatty, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJeremiah ZagarStarsAdam SandlerQueen LatifahJuancho HernangomezA basketball scout discovers a phenomenal street ball player while in Spain and sees the prospect as his opportunity to get back into the NBA.Excellent sports drama about a veteran basketball scout who discovers an outstanding street basketball player named Bo Cruz while searching for new talent in Spain. When his boss and the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers refuse to take a chance on Bo, he quits his job and works full time to get Bo into the NBA, while simultaneously creating an opportunity for himself to break back into NBA coaching. Adam Sandler delivered one of his best lead performances, and all the real-life basketball players really helped make the film shine. Easily one of the best films I've ever seen about basketball. Juancho Hernangomez also had an excellent lead performance. Ben Foster, Kenny Smith, Robert Duvall, Jordan Hull, and Queen Latifah all had nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorSylvester StalloneStarsSylvester StalloneTalia ShireBurt YoungRocky Balboa proudly holds the world heavyweight boxing championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union.Another excellent sequel to the epic Rocky saga completely written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. The story follows Rocky Balboa as a happily retired family man who enjoys his wealthy and lavish lifestyle. One day, a monstrous steroid-pumping Russian heavyweight boxer named Ivan Drago is on television with his wife and promoters challenging American promoters to setup an exhibition match with Rocky, insisting that Drago's the most advanced and strongest boxer in the world. When Apollo catches wind of the news, he isn't happy about it, and challenges Drago to a high profile exhibition match. The match ends in tragedy for Apollo, which finds Rocky setting his sights on Drago for revenge, as they train and prepare for huge match on Christmas Day in Soviet Union. This may be the most entertaining a Rocky has ever been. It's a lot of montages, but the action is superb, and the final fight with Drago is completely epic in every way. It also includes one of the best rock music soundtracks of all time. Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren both deliver iconic lead performances. Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Tony Burton, Brigitte Nielsen, Michael Pataki, James Brown, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSylvester StalloneStarsSylvester StalloneTalia ShireBurt YoungRocky faces the ultimate challenge from a powerful new contender, and must turn to a former rival to help regain his throne as the undisputed fighting champion.Another great film in the Rocky franchise, and also completely written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. I have a soft spot for the 3rd and 4th Rocky movies. While not as good as their predecessors, they are wildly entertaining. Stallone and Mr. T makes for a great rivalry. And it was great to see Rocky and Apollo team up to defeat Clubber Lang. Excellent soundtrack as usual. Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Tony Burton, Mr. T, and Hulk Hogan all have great performances.
- DirectorMichael B. JordanStarsMichael B. JordanTessa ThompsonJonathan MajorsAdonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight.Excellent sports drama and arguably the best in the entire Creed trilogy. This time around Michael B. Jordan directs and finds Adonis flourishing in his career and family life after proving himself as one of the greatest boxers of all time. But when a childhood friend/brother and past boxing great is released from prison after 16 years and asks Adonis to set him up with a shot at the heavyweight title, he soon finds there is other motives and betrayal in his actions to come, which throws Adonis' entire life out of balance after exposing troubling childhood trauma that involves them both. While many longtime fans will be disappointed Rocky was not in this installment, I thought it made the film stronger without him, and proves Michael B. Jordan has the expertise to deliver a great picture along with an excellent lead performance as Creed. Jonathan Majors and Tessa Thompson also delivered great lead roles, along with great supporting roles from Mila Davis-Kent, Wood Harris, Phylicia Rashad, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Spence Moore II, and others.
- DirectorRyan CooglerStarsMichael B. JordanSylvester StalloneTessa ThompsonThe former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.The Rocky franchise delivered my favorite boxing films to date, so I was thrilled to see the return of Rocky Balboa when this film dropped. Great story and direction from Ryan Coogler, which follows the son (Adonis) of his friend and former adversary, Apollo Creed. Adonis was born after Apollo was killed in Rocky IV (1985), and seeks out Rocky to be his mentor and trainer so he can follow in his father's footsteps. The movie stands on it's own and doesn't feel like just another Rocky sequel. Michael B. Jordan delivered an excellent lead performance as Adonis, and Sylvester Stallone played Rocky great as usual. Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Tony Bellew, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSteven Caple Jr.StarsMichael B. JordanSylvester StalloneTessa ThompsonUnder the tutelage of Rocky Balboa, newly crowned heavyweight champion Adonis Creed faces off against Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago.Excellent sequel to the first Creed film, which also plays as a sequel to Rocky 4 (1985). Adonis Creed is on the top of his game after becoming the heavyweight champion of the world, and now must face a seemingly unbreakable Russian opponent named Viktor Drago—the son of Rocky's arch nemesis, Ivan Drago, who killed Apollo Creed back in 1985, and nearly defeated Rocky in the toughest match of his career. I may even like this film a bit more than the first. The story and acting is excellent throughout. Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, and Florian Munteanu all delivered excellent lead performances. Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, Phylicia Rashad, Brigitte Nielsen, Jacob 'Stitch' Duran, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorPhil Alden RobinsonStarsKevin CostnerJames Earl JonesRay LiottaIowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can't ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true.Excellent sports drama/fantasy from Phil Alden Robinson, and one of the most unique and best baseball films I've ever seen. The story follows an Iowa farmer named Ray Kinsella that becomes obsessed by an otherworldly voice he hears from deep in his cornfields that says: "If you build it, he will come". He's soon inspired to build to a legit baseball field on his farm after a mysterious ghost of baseball great Shoeless Joe Jackson and his other seven Chicago White Sox teammates that were banned from the league for throwing the 1919 World Series, appear from the cornfields, which ends up sending Ray on a journey he was destined to take. Kevin Costner delivers one of his best and most memorable lead performances. Amy Madigan and James Earl Jones also had excellent starring roles. Gaby Hoffmann, Ray Liotta, Timothy Busfield, Burt Lancaster, and Frank Whaley all have very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorDavid AnspaughStarsSean AstinJon FavreauNed BeattyRudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.Excellent sports drama/biography from David Anspaugh set in the late 1960s, and follows the life of Rudy Ruettiger—a regular guy and steel mill worker from a Catholic family who has had big dreams of attending school and playing football at the University of Notre Dame since he was a kid. With below average grades, very little money, and little to no support from his family and friends; his hard work, unrelenting determination, and a heart of gold helps him achieve more than anyone could have ever thought an amateur athlete and average student could have ever accomplished. Very inspirational story with great writing and acting all around. Sean Astin nailed his role as Rudy, making it one of the best lead performances of his career. Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton, Jon Favreau, Robert Prosky, Greta Lind, Jason Miller, John Beasley, Ron Dean, Scott Benjaminson, Luke Massery, Vince Vaughn, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorThomas CarterStarsSamuel L. JacksonRick GonzalezRobert Ri'chardControversy surrounds high school basketball coach Ken Carter after he benches his entire team for breaking their academic contract with him.Excellent sports biopic about high school basketball coach Ken Carter—who made winners out of a losing team in the poor area of Richmond, California, in 1999. After they start to win, his controversial methods are met with scrutiny from parents and faculty when he benches the entire team for failing to uphold written and signed contracts, which says they must hit a 2.3 grade point average, and attend all of their classes—if they want to continue playing basketball. Very well made drama, and a very inspiring story overall. Samuel L. Jackson delivers one of his very best lead performances. Rob Brown, Robert Ri'chard, Rick Gonzalez, Nana Gbewonyo, Antwon Tanner, Channing Tatum, Ashanti, Texas Battle, Octavia Spencer, and Denise Dowse all had very nice supporting roles, along others.
- DirectorDavid AnspaughStarsGene HackmanBarbara HersheyDennis HopperA coach with a checkered past and a local drunk train a small-town high school basketball team to become a top contender for the state championship in 1950s Indiana.Excellent sports drama based on true events from David Anspaugh. The story is set in 1951 Indiana, and follows a washed up basketball coach and alcoholic who's given the opportunity to coach a small-town basketball team. The players are below average, and it is unlikely that they'll ever get close to making the state championships. But through hard work, determination, and struggles with teachers and parents, he ends up shaping these players into major contenders for the 1954 Indiana state champions. Great story all around. Gene Hackman delivers one of his best lead performances. It's one of my favorites of his. Barbara Hershey and Dennis Hopper also have excellent starring roles. Steve Hollar, Brad Long, David Neidorf, Kent Poole, Wade Schenck, Scott Summers, Maris Valainis, Sheb Wooley, Chelcie Ross, Robert Swan, Fern Persons, Brad Boyle, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn SaylesStarsJohn CusackClifton JamesJace AlexanderA dramatization of the Black Sox scandal when the underpaid Chicago White Sox accepted bribes to deliberately lose the 1919 World Series.Excellent historical sports drama from John Sayles that follows the incredibly talented 1919 Chicago White Sox team. Back in those days, most players were under-respected, were barely paid a livable wage, and were promised bonuses that were never delivered. The story focuses on 8 frustrated key members of the team who take big bribes to throw the World Series, which quickly goes wrong in many ways, and finds the players battling each other on and off the field. After the series is over, information about the scandal is publicized in the press, which lands all them in court, fighting for their freedom and ability to keep playing pro baseball. John Cusack, Michael Rooker, David Strathairn, D.B. Sweeney, Don Harvey, James Read, Gordon Clapp, Bill Irwin, Charlie Sheen, Perry Lang, John Mahoney, Jace Alexander, John Sayles, Richard Edson, Christopher Lloyd, and many others had excellent performances.
- DirectorBill PaxtonStarsShia LaBeoufStephen DillaneElias KoteasIn the 1913 U.S. Open, twenty-year-old Francis Ouimet played golf against his idol, 1900 U.S. Open champion, Englishman Harry Vardon.Excellent sports biopic from Bill Paxton that follows a poor and gifted young amateur golfer named Francis Ouimet, who rises to the top of the game and earns a spot on the 1913 U.S. Open for an opportunity to play his idol and 1900 U.S. Open champion, Englishman Harry Vardon. Inspiring story with great characters all around, and great action shots on the greens. Shia LaBeouf and Stephen Dillane both delivered excellent lead performances. Matthew Knight, Josh Flitter, Elias Koteas, Marnie McPhail, Peyton List, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorEriq La SalleStarsDon CheadleJames Earl JonesMichael BeachA dramatization of the life of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault (Don Cheadle), with a lot of factual based occurrences. A reformed junkie returns from prison to clean up his act and devote the rest of his life to the young kids of Harlem. 1996 was the 25th anniversary of the first tournament named after him.Excellent sports biopic from Eriq La Salle on the life of legendary street basketball player Earl "The Goat" Manigault (1944–1998). Earl is cited as being the greatest basketball player to never play in the NBA. The story maps out his tough childhood in 1950s Harlem, where he gained enough credibility playing street and high school basketball to land himself in a good college, until he's expelled after not getting along with the basketball coach. After getting his girlfriend pregnant and losing his childhood mentor, he falls into a deep depression and heroin addiction, which results in an intense battle to recovery, sobriety, and redemption. Great story and dialogue throughout, and an excellent cast. This is a forgotten HBO original gem that many basketball fans would enjoy. Don Cheadle delivered an excellent lead performance. Monica Calhoun, Eriq La Salle, Colin Cheadle, Michael Ralph, Michael Beach, Loretta Devine, Forest Whitaker, James Earl Jones, Ronny Cox, and several others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJon TurteltaubStarsJohn CandyLeonDoug E. DougWhen a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team.Excellent and inspirational sports comedy adventure that follows three Jamaican olympic sprinters and a star push-cart driver who enlist the help of a legendary bobsled sportsman named Irv Blitzer who was disqualified from olympic bobsledding due to cheating back in 1972. Irv reluctantly agrees to be their coach after their non-stop persistence, and the world's first Jamaican bobsled team is born. After training as much as they can in Jamaica, they head to Alberta, Canada, to compete in the 1988 winter olympics. They are faced with challenges by prejudice folks who don't feel they belong, and other issues arise from Irv's spotty past. Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, and Malik Yoba all delivered excellent lead performances. John Candy is the real star of the film, and delivers one of his all-time best roles. Raymond J. Barry, Peter Outerbridge, Paul Coeur, Charles Hyatt, Winston Stona, Bertina Macaulay, Pauline Stone Myrie, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMcGStarsMatthew McConaugheyMatthew FoxAnthony MackieWhen a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team's new coach and his surviving players try to keep the football program alive.Excellent historical sports drama that chronicles the tragic plane crash that occurred on November 14, 1970, and killed nearly all the football players, coaching staff, and several others from Marshall University out of West Virginia. Through the protests of surviving team captain Nate Ruffin, the school board votes to bring the football program back, despite the town being in severe pain from their enormous loss. In 1971, head coach Jack Lengyel is hired to run a fourth-coming inspirational season of healing the team and the town needs, which is largely responsible to college president Don Dedman. Simply one of the best football films I've ever see, with great performances throughout. Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie, and David Strathairn all delivered excellent lead performances. Ian McShane, Kate Mara, January Jones, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Arlen Escarpeta, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGeorge Roy HillStarsPaul NewmanMichael OntkeanStrother MartinA failing ice hockey team finds success with outrageously violent hockey goonery.Hilarious sports comedy from George Roy Hill that follows a pitiful Pennsylvania minor-league ice-hockey team named the Charlestown Chiefs. The team is uninspired, the attendance is poor, and the franchise is set to call it quits at the end of the season. Reggie Dunlop is the team's lead player and head coach, and decides to shake things up by recruiting a couple of ruthlessly violent "goons" known as the Hanson brothers. Soon, the Chiefs find themselves at the top with more fans as tensions set in about their methods when approaching the championship game of the season against the daunting Syracuse Bulldogs. This is one of the best hockey movies ever made. Great story, comedy, and drama throughout. Paul Newman delivers one of his finest lead performance. Strother Martin, Michael Ontkean, Steve Carlson, Steve Carlson, David Hanson, Jeff Carlson, Lindsay Crouse, Yvon Barrette, Allan F. Nicholls, Brad Sullivan, Stephen Mendillo, Jennifer Warren, Jerry Houser, Andrew Duncan, Kathryn Walker, Melinda Dillon, M. Emmet Walsh, Paul D'Amato, and others also had very nice roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorMark RobsonStarsKirk DouglasArthur KennedyMarilyn MaxwellBoxer Midge Kelly rises to fame...mainly by stepping on other people.Great film-noir sports drama from Mark Robson that follows an extremely poor man who gets trained to be a professional boxer. As he rises to the very top, he becomes obsessed with the fame and admiration he's never gotten in his early life—treating women like objects, dumping his loyal manager for more money and stardom, and turning his back on his devoted brother. The film won an Oscar for best film-editing, which is very nicely done for 1949. Kirk Douglas delivered one of his best lead Oscar-nominated performances. Arthur Kennedy also delivered his best, with very nice supporting roles from Ruth Roman, Paul Stewart, Marilyn Maxwell, Lola Albright, and others.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsAl PacinoDennis QuaidCameron DiazA behind-the-scenes look at the life-and-death struggles of modern-day gladiators and those who lead them.Thrilling professional football drama that's centered around a determined unknown third-string quarterback and his hard road to success, after taking the place of legendary quarterback Cap Rooney after a disastrous injury. It also goes behind-the-scenes, giving a somewhat dark and menacing look at the athletes and background players that run the organization. Superb cinematography, editing, and a fly electronica/alternative soundtrack. While it is very long, I found it to be entertaining throughout and worth the time. Nice work from Oliver Stone all around. Al Pacino put on one of his finest performances. Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, James Woods, LL Cool J, Matthew Modine, Jim Brown, and Lawrence Taylor all had nice supporting roles, among many others.
- DirectorDavid MametStarsChiwetel EjioforTim AllenEmily MortimerA fateful event leads to a job in the film business for top mixed-martial arts instructor Mike Terry. Though he refuses to participate in prize bouts, circumstances conspire to force him to consider entering such a competition.Excellent sports drama from David Mamet that follows an idealistic jujitsu teacher named Mike Terry who believes competition fighting weakens a fighter, and chooses to teach police, bouncers, and regular people how to defend themselves in real life situations. Unfortunately it doesn't pay much, as he and his wife struggle to make ends meet. When Mike comes to the aide of a famous movie star in a bar brawl, he's offered gifts, gratitude, and a job on his new film that requires a martial arts consultant. But it turns out that the movie star, his assistant, and his wife were deceitful in their kids gestures, which puts them in a financial and legal bind that only a competition fight can begin to pay off. Great story and an underrated flick overall. Chiwetel Ejiofor is one of my favorite actors, and he delivered one of his best lead performances. Alice Braga, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Emily Mortimer, Tim Allen, Max Martini, Cathy Cahlin Ryan, Cyril Takayama, Ricky Jay, Randy Couture, John Machado, Rodrigo Santoro, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMark RobsonStarsHumphrey BogartRod SteigerJan SterlingAn ex-sportswriter is hired by a shady fight promoter to promote his latest find, an unknown but easily exploitable rising star from Argentina.Great sports drama from Mark Robson that tackles the story from a different angle than your typical boxing film. The story follows an ex-sportswriter named Eddie who just lost his job after 17 years when the newspaper he works for goes under. After being approached to be a public relations manager for a fighter named Toro by a snide fight promoter named Nick Benko, he reluctantly takes the job since the money is good; even though he feels the fighter has no chance of hitting big time. As business moves forward, Nick is clearly using Toro by setting up fights to make big money. When a tragic incident occurs, Eddie is met with a moral dilemma for the decisions he's made. This was Humphrey Bogart's final film. While you can tell he was near the end, he delivered a great lead performance. Rod Steiger also had a great role with his witty, snappy, and uncompromising dialogue and persona. Jan Sterling, Mike Lane, and the rest of the supporting cast were all very nice.
- DirectorBarry LevinsonStarsBen FosterBilly MagnussenVicky KriepsAfter World War II, Harry Haft is a boxer who fought against his peers in concentration camps. Haunted by memories, he tries to use fighting legends as a way to find his love.Excellent historical sports biopic from Barry Levinson on the life of a Polish-Jewish boxer named Harry Haft, who was a real-life survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp where he was forced to box fellow Jewish inmates to survive the horrifying 6 months he was held captive. The film jumps back and fourth from his time in Auschwitz in 1943, his brief boxing career in 1948 New York, the pursuit of his girlfriend who was captured by the Nazis, his marriage and family life, and the past demons he faces on an every day basis. Fascinating and well done story throughout. Ben Foster is rendered nearly unrecognizable with his weight gain, weight loss, and complete transformation into Harry Haft. He delivered one of his all time best lead performances. Saro Emirze, Billy Magnussen, Vicky Krieps, Peter Sarsgaard, Danny DeVito, John Leguizamo, Dar Zuzovsky, Paul Bates, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsPaul NewmanPier AngeliEverett SloaneBoxer Rocky Graziano's biopic, based on his autobiography, from childhood to his World Middleweight Championship title win at age 28 in 1947.Great sports biopic from Robert Wise on the life of boxer Rocky Graziano. It starts with his troubled and abusive childhood, which leads to crime that lands him in detention centers and prisons. After getting his life together, he gets drafted to the Army during World War 2, but is dishonorably discharged after going AWOL. He finally discovers boxing after all the turmoil, and maps out his journey to becoming the world middleweight champion at age 28 in 1947. While James Dean was supposed to be the lead before his untimely death, I thought Paul Newman was great in this role. Well-shot and written all around. Pier Angeli, Everett Sloane, Eileen Heckart, and Sal Mineo all had nice supporting roles. Steve McQueen even had a small and fun uncredited role.
- DirectorRon SheltonStarsWesley SnipesWoody HarrelsonRosie PerezBlack and white basketball hustlers join forces to double their chances of winning money on the street courts and in a basketball tournament.Wildly fun sports comedy drama from Ron Shelton that follows a cocky black street basketball player named Sidney Deane who pairs up with a former college basketball player named Billy Hoyle who makes his living by hustling Sidney and other streetballers who assume that he can't play because he's white. The two team up to trick their opponents into thinking that all white boys are chumps on the court, and can't possibly compete. Billy ends up playing the chump card to his benefit as he and Sidney form a rocky partnership based on their abilities to hustle—while sometimes also hustling each other. Meanwhile, turmoil brews in the background with their respective romantic relationships. Nice drama mixes well with the plenty of hilarious comedy. Great story all around, and fairly underrated in my book. Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, and Rosie Perez all delivered excellent lead performances, and had great chemistry together. Tyra Ferrell, Kadeem Hardison, Ernest Harden Jr., Marques Johnson, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRobert LorenzStarsClint EastwoodAmy AdamsJohn GoodmanA daughter tries to remedy her dysfunctional relationship with her ailing father, a decorated baseball scout, by helping him in a recruiting trip which could be his last.Great sports drama that follows the troubled relationship between an aging veteran baseball coach for the Atlanta Braves and his partially estranged daughter. When he comes down with vision problems and must drive to North Carolina for an important scouting trip, she takes time out of her hectic lawyer lifestyle to accompany him and hopefully sort out their flawed relationship in the process. Meanwhile, a deceitful colleague named Phillip works to get him fired, as he tries to weasel his way into the General Manager position. Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, and Justin Timberlake all delivered great lead performances and worked great together. John Goodman, Matthew Lillard, Chelcie Ross, Raymond Anthony Thomas, Ed Lauter, Bob Gunton, Jay Galloway, Joe Massingill, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsStacy KeachJeff BridgesSusan TyrrellTwo men, working as professional boxers, come to blows when their careers each begin to take different directions.Great sports drama from John Huston about two very different men who are hitting hard times in their lives and boxing careers—Tully is a 32-year-old washed up alcoholic and former boxing great who can no longer hold down a job or a relationship. While Ernie is a troubled 18-year-old kid who's life is being mapped out by his pregnant girlfriend as he try to scrape together enough money to make a living. Very nice story with complex and interesting characters throughout. Stacy Keach arguably delivers his all-time best lead performance. Jeff Bridges, Susan Tyrrell, Nicholas Colasanto, Candy Clark, and Art Aragon all had great roles among a slim and powerful supporting cast.
- DirectorDavid Mickey EvansStarsTom GuiryMike VitarArt LaFleurIn the summer of 1962, a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team, resulting in many adventures.Excellent coming-of-age family sports comedy about the magical summer of 1962, when a new kid in town who wants to play baseball and make new friends, and finally breaks out of his shell with the help of the best baseball player in the neighborhood, and becomes best friends with the whole team as they spend their days playing baseball and getting into other humorous mischief. I saw this movie at the perfect age upon its release (age 12), and it still holds up great and has some nice nostalgia. Very nice soundtrack too. Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Brandon Quintin Adams, Grant Gelt, Victor DiMattia, Denis Leary, Karen Allen, James Earl Jones, Marley Shelton, and many others had great performances.
- DirectorDavid S. WardStarsTom BerengerCharlie SheenCorbin BernsenThe new owner of the Cleveland Indians puts together a purposely horrible team so they'll lose and she can move the team. But when the plot is uncovered, they start winning just to spite her.Hilarious sports comedy from David S. Ward that follows the new owner of the Cleveland Indians baseball team, Rachel Phelps, and how she deliberately builds a comically terrible team so they'll lose; which would result in moving the franchise to Miami to reap the benefits of a new stadium and warmer weather. When the players learn about her plan, they miraculously start winning games and upping attendance numbers, which systematically ruining her plans. Very funny story with great writing and dialogue throughout. Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and Corbin Bernsen all deliver some of their best lead performances. Margaret Whitton, James Gammon, Rene Russo, Wesley Snipes, Chelcie Ross, Dennis Haysbert, Andy Romano, Bob Uecker, Steve Yeager, Peter Vuckovich, Stacy Carrolland, Richard Pickren, and so many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRon SheltonStarsKevin CostnerSusan SarandonTim RobbinsA fan who has an affair with one minor-league baseball player each season meets an up-and-coming pitcher and the experienced catcher assigned to him.Excellent sports comedy drama from Ron Shelton that follows a gorgeous baseball groupie named Annie Savoy who considers the game her religion. Each season she chooses one hot-shot baseball player from the minor leagues for a long inspired steamy fling before they make it big in the majors. Her sights are set on the Durham Bulls' new cocky rifle-armed pitcher Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LaLoosh, and 12-year minor league veteran catcher Crash Davis. Many hilarious situations present themselves along the way as Crash attempts to coach Nuke into utilizing his skills and respecting the game. Excellent and cleverly done story all around that covers a lot more ground than just baseball. Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins all deliver excellent lead performances. Trey Wilson, Robert Wuhl, Jenny Robertson, William O'Leary, Stephen Ware, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsJeff BridgesJohn GoodmanJulianne MooreJeff "The Dude" Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.Great Coen Brothers crime comedy about a lazy White Russian drinking free spirited man named "The Dude", who's looking for compensation for the rug two debt collectors urinated on when questioning him about a debt he isn't involved with. Clever premise with a lot of memorable characters and scenes along the way. Jeff Bridges was made the play "The Dude". His performance is one of his finest. John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Sam Elliott, David Huddleston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGary FlederStarsRob BrownDennis QuaidClancy BrownA drama based on the life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.Excellent sports biopic that follows the action-packed life of Ernie Davis—the first African'-American college football player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961. From growing up in poverty to overcoming severe racism and other obstacles along the way, to becoming an unstoppable running back for the Syracuse Orangemen, who he he helped take to an undefeated winning season in 1959. Very inspirational film with great acting and writing throughout. Rob Brown and Dennis Quaid both deliver excellent lead performances. Omar Benson Miller, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Charles S. Dutton, Justin Martin, Nicole Beharie, Aunjanue Ellis, Clancy Brown, Chadwick Boseman, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJames GartnerStarsJosh LucasDerek LukeAustin NicholsIn 1966, Texas Western coach Don Haskins led the first all-black starting line-up for a college basketball team to the NCAA national championship.Excellent sports biopic about Texas Western coach Don Haskins, and how he built a NCAA basketball team of 7 African-American players and 5 white players back in 1965, which was unheard of at the time. They face hate, discrimination, and violence on their way to becoming a winning team. And it's capped off with Haskins going into the championship game utilizing ONLY the 7 black players on the team—outlining one of the great events in sports history. Josh Lucas and Derek Luke both delivered great lead performances. Austin Nichols, Jon Voight, Alphonso McAuley, Mehcad Brooks, Damaine Radcliff, Emily Deschanel, Al Shearer, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn HerzfeldStarsVing RhamesVondie Curtis-HallJeremy PivenA cinematic portrait of the famous fight promoter and boxing manager.Excellent and fascinating biopic that follows one of the most controversial, unconventional, and infamous fight promoters in sports history, Don King. The story follows his early troubled life which lands him in prison after killing a man in a fistfight over $600. With a good defense and a drive to educate himself in prison, he ends up entering the world of boxing as a fight promoter after meeting Muhammad Ali in 1971. He ends up pulling off a miraculous boxing event and concert in Africa starring Ali and current heavyweight champ, George Foreman, which solidifies his position in boxing. As he gains more fame, money, and power; he ends up earning a reputation for conning his fighters out of money and their overall well-being. Fantastic story and I'd say Ving Rhames delivered his best lead performance ever as Don King. Vondie Curtis-Hall, Jeremy Piven, and Darius McCrary also had great starring roles. Keith David, Loretta Devine, Gabriel Casseus, Brent Jennings, Lahmard J. Tate, Jarrod Bunch, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorNiki CaroStarsKevin CostnerMaria BelloRamiro RodriguezJim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach, and at his new school he turns seven disappointing students into one of the best cross-country teams in the region.Excellent sports biopic about a football coach who loses his temper with one of his players, gets fired from his job, and is forced to move to one of the poorest city's in the country (McFarland, California) to find a teaching and coaching position. After seeing the extremely hard work ethic and unmatched speed of some of his students, he builds one of the best cross-country running teams in the country through a very inspirational story. Kevin Costner fits the lead role perfectly, and delivered a great performance. Maria Bello, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz, Rafael Martinez, Hector Duran, Sergio Avelar, Diana Maria Riva, Omar Leyva, and others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorPaul Michael GlaserStarsD.B. SweeneyMoira KellyRoy DotriceA temperamental figure skater and an arrogant former hockey player attempt to win the Olympic Gold Medal as a figure skating pairs team.Excellent sports comedy drama/romance from Paul Michael Glaser that follows a wealthy and temperamental world-class figure skater named Kate Moseley who's forced to find a new partner after losing the pair skating event at the 1988 Winter Olympics with her previous partner. Her pompous and pretentious attitude to the whole situation scares off every competitive skater that fits the bill. After they reach the bottom of the list, they pair her up with a former star hockey player named Doug Dorsey who has the skills to get the job done. Many comical debacles take place as she reluctantly accepts the pairing and 4 years of training as the work to compete in the 1992 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, they seemingly can't stand each other, but it's possible that opposites may attract. D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly both deliver may all-time favorite lead performances from them both. They has excellent comedic and romantic chemistry. Roy Dotrice, Terry O'Quinn, Dwier Brown, Chris Benson, Rachelle Ottley, Kevin Peeks, Barry Flatman, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsKevin CostnerChadwick BosemanJennifer GarnerAt the NFL Draft, General Manager Sonny Weaver has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must decide what he's willing to sacrifice on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with NFL dreams.Fascinating sports drama that follows the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, and the stress, strategy, negotiations, and luck that he's met with in the final 13 hours leading up to the NFL Draft. It's also a struggle for his position in the franchise, his relationship with the salary cap manager and girlfriend, Ali. Not generally a film that I would go for, but I throughly enjoyed it. Kevin Costner delivered a great lead performance. Jennifer Garner, Chadwick Boseman, Denis Leary, Frank Langella, Ellen Burstyn, Patrick St. Esprit, Chi McBride, Josh Pence, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsEdward G. RobinsonBette DavisHumphrey BogartFight promoter Nick Donati grooms a bellhop as a future champ, but has second thoughts when the 'kid' falls for his sister.Excellent crime/sports drama from Michael Curtiz that follows a boxing promoter (Nick) who tailors an unknown and inexperienced bellhop to become the heavyweight champion of the world. He bills him as "Kid Galahad" and has a chance to go all the way as he keeps winning fights. However, trouble enters their partnership when Kid falls in love with Nick's sister, and Nick turns against his protégé. Edward G. Robinson delivers one of his finest lead performances. Bette Davis was also excellent as Nick's mistress, Fluff. They share some great witty chemistry throughout. Humphrey Bogart had a smaller role, but he was also nice. Wayne Morris was very good as Kid Galahad, and Jane Bryan also had a nice performance among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorNewt ArnoldStarsJean-Claude Van DammeDonald GibbLeah Ayres"Bloodsport" follows Frank Dux, an American martial artist serving in the military, who decides to leave the army to compete in a martial arts tournament in Hong Kong where fights to the death can occur.Great action-packed biography from Newt Arnold set from 1975 to 1980, and follows the true story of American martial artist and U.S. Army captain Frank Dux, who leaves the army and travels to Hong Kong to complete his training and fight in underground fight-to-the-death martial arts matches. Meanwhile, he must elude the capture of two Army officers looking to bring him to America, and learns he must face off with the deadly defending champion Chong Li in order to succeed. The action and fighting is excellent all around, and Jean-Claude Van Damme delivers one of his finest performances. Bolo Yeung, Leah Ayres, Donald Gibb, Norman Burton, Forest Whitaker, and Roy Chiao all had very nice roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorMars CallahanStarsMars CallahanChazz PalminteriMichael RosenbaumA talented pool hustler who has stayed out of the game for years must return to his old ways when his little brother gets involved with his enemy--the very man who held him back from greatness.Great indy sports drama/comedy about a promising young pool hustler who breaks free from his controlling mentor who ran his life behind the table—which ends with his mentor getting beaten up by his friends. He ends up quitting the game, but when his mentor comes back looking for revenge with new talent and his little brother gets involved, a high stakes game of 9-ball is set for the final face-off. The relatively unknown stars do a great job, and it was nice to see some heavy-hitters in the mix. Mars Callahan and Chazz Palminteri delivered great lead performances. Rod Steiger, Michael Rosenbaum, Ricky Schroder, Alison Eastwood, and Christopher Walken all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBarry LevinsonStarsRobert RedfordRobert DuvallGlenn CloseA middle-aged unknown comes seemingly out of nowhere to become a legendary baseball player with almost supernatural talent.Excellent fantasy sports drama from Barry Levinson that follows a mysterious and extremely talented middle-aged Nebraskan baseball player named Roy Hobbs, who comes out of nowhere as a rookie and takes the losing 1939 New York Knights baseball team to the top of the league at his ripe 34 years of age. Excellent story and one of the finest baseball films I've seen. Robert Redford delivers one of his best lead performances. Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, and Wilford Brimley also had excellent starring roles. Richard Farnsworth, Robert Prosky, Joe Don Baker, John Finnegan, Alan Fudge, Michael Madsen, Paul Sullivan Jr., James Mohr, and others also had great roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorStan DragotiStarsScott BakulaHector ElizondoRobert LoggiaDue to NCAA sanctions, the Texas State University Fightin' Armadillos must form a football team from their actual student body, with no scholarships to help, to play their football schedule.Excellent sports comedy drama from Stan Dragoti that follows a 34-year-old farmer named Paul Blake who was once one of the best high-school quarterbacks in Texas. He was never able to fulfill his dreams since his father died and he had to drop out of school to run their family farm. 16 years later, the Texas State University Fightin' Armadillos are scraping the bottom of the barrel for more players after the team was put on probation for corruption. Paul's former high-school football coach Wally "Rig" Riggendorf ends up tracking him down and recruiting him to be quarterback in hopes of turning the team around. This story isn't that much different from your typical underdog sports comedy, but it never tries to be anything more than that. Great dialogue, clever comedy, poignant drama, and great action sets it apart from so many films of the same genre. Scott Bakula arguably delivered his best lead performance (in film, anyway). Hector Elizondo and Robert Loggia also delivered excellent starring roles. Sinbad, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, Harley Jane Kozak, Larry Miller, Rob Schneider, Jason Bateman, Kathy Ireland, and several others had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJimmy ChinElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiStarsAnnette BeningJodie FosterAnne Marie KempfThe remarkable true story of athlete Diana Nyad who, at the age of 60 and with the help of her best friend and coach, commits to achieving her life-long dream: a 110-mile open ocean swim from Cuba to Florida.Excellent sports biography that tells the inspiring true story long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, and her daring attempts to complete a dangerous non-stop 110-mile open ocean swim from Cuba to Florida. She attempted the journey at age 28, and failed after covering about 76 miles. Fast-forward 32 years to the year 2010, and we find Diana preparing to complete the same swim at 60+ years old, with the help of her best friend and trainer, Bonnie Stoll. Great story which really makes you feel anything is possible. The cinematography and all all the details were all nicely put together. Annette Bening and Jodie Foster both delivered excellent lead performances. Anne Marie Kempf, Carolyn McCormick, Marcos Diaz, Johnny Solo, Anna Harriette Pittman, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorStephen HerekStarsEmilio EstevezJoss AcklandLane SmithA self-centered Minnesota lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a rag tag youth hockey team.Excellent sports-inspired family comedy drama from Stephen Herek that follows a cocky and egotistical lawyer named Gordon Bombay who's obsessed with winning, gets caught drinking and driving, and must serve community service by coaching the worst Pee Wee hockey league in Minnesota. He could care less about hockey and the kids, and is still focused on his court cases he plans to get back to soon. But he soon realizes others in the firm are taking over his cases, and becomes more discouraged. When he finally takes a genuine interest in a player named Charlie Conway, he starts to take being a coach seriously, and grows along with the rest of the team. This has always been a nostalgic favorite of mine and one of my all-time favorite hockey films. Emilio Estevez delivers arguably his best known lead performance, and I can't imagine anyone playing the role better. Joss Ackland, Lane Smith, Heidi Kling, Josef Sommer, Joshua Jackson, Vincent LaRusso, Elden Henson, Shaun Weiss, M.C. Gainey, Matt Doherty, Brandon Quintin Adams, Marguerite Moreau, and many others had great performances.
- DirectorClarence BrownStarsMickey RooneyElizabeth TaylorDonald CrispA jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes.Excellent sports drama from Clarence Brown set in the 1920s Sussex (England) that follows a young drifter and former horse racing jockey named Mi Taylor who's on his way to see the Brown family in hopes of finding some stability after finding the mother's name in his father's notebook who recently passed away. On his way, he meets the very excitable 12-year-old Velvet Brown, who is so deeply in love with horses that it consumes all of her thoughts and dreams. The family offers Mi a job working on their sheep farm, and soon after Velvet luckily wins a boisterous and wild horse in an auction for $1 that she named "The Pie". After figuring out The Pie has all the tools to win England's greatest racing event—the Grand National Steeplechase—Mi and Velvet train The Pie to be a winner while the family puts up the last of their money for the entry fees. Great uplifting story all around. Mickey Rooney and Mickey Rooney both delivered excellent lead performances. Donald Crisp, Anne Revere (Oscar-winner), Angela Lansbury, Jackie 'Butch' Jenkins, Juanita Quigley, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRobert AldrichStarsBurt ReynoldsEddie AlbertEd LauterA sadistic warden asks a former pro quarterback, now serving time in his prison, to put together a team of inmates to take on (and get pummeled by) the guards.Excellent football-inspired crime comedy/drama from Robert Aldrich that follows a former professional star quarterback named Paul "Wrecking" Crewe, who is sentenced to 18 months in Citrus State Prison (Georgia) following some poor life decisions. After some disagreements with the football-loving warden, Paul reluctantly agrees to assemble an inmate football team to compete with the warden's semi-pro team of prison guards. Tension comes into play when Paul is offered a deal for early release if he throws the game. Great story and cast all around, and much better than 2005 remake. Burt Reynolds delivers an excellent lead performance all around. Eddie Albert, Ed Lauter, and Michael Conrad also had great starring roles. James Hampton, Harry Caesar, Richard Kiel, John Steadman, Charles Tyner, Bernadette Peters, Tony Cacciotti, Anitra Ford, Ray Nitschke, Sonny Sixkiller, Robert Tessier, Michael Fox, Joe Kapp, and others also great supporting roles.
- DirectorBarry LevinsonStarsAl PacinoKathy BakerKenneth MaharajPenn State football coach Joe Paterno becomes embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal.Excellent sports biography/crime drama from Barry Levinson that revolves around the respected and revered 61-year veteran Penn State University football coach Joe Paterno. In 2011, he wins his 409th game as head coach at the age of 84. Shortly after, a horrific scandal of sexual abuse revolving around retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky comes to light. It's unclear how early Paterno knew these things were going on, and questions about who he reported it to heavily plague his case as more terrifying details come out, and victims step forward to tell the stories of their horrific past encounters with Sandusky. Excellent story with a great cast of actors. Levinson does a great job with making the viewer feel sympathy for Paterno's character. Al Pacino delivered a fantastic lead performance. Riley Keough, Kathy Baker, Michael Mastro, Greg Grunberg, Annie Parisse, Larry Mitchell, Darren Goldstein, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRob BowmanStarsShane McDermottSeth GreenBrittney PowellCalifornia born and raised surfer, Mitchell Goosen has to spend six months in Ohio while learning the hard way- love is where the heart is.Awesome sports inspired adventure/comedy from Rob Bowman that follows a skilled surfer and in-line skater named Mitchell Goosen who begrudgingly moves to Cincinnati for 6 months to live with extended family while his parents are away on business. His cousin Wiley shows him around school, and he soon becomes a bullying target for the hockey team (along with Wiley). Once he starts dating the star player's sister, it becomes even more difficult for him to find his place in school. The acting can be pretty cheesy, but the story is solid, and it includes some of the sweetest extreme in-line skating action of any movie ever made...it may be the only movie of its kind. The epic race at the end against their Central High School rivals on Devil's Backbone is worth the price of admission alone. It's definitely a great nostalgic film for 80s babies who grew up rollerblading and riding BMX bikes like myself. Shane McDermott delivered a great lead performance. Seth Green, Brittney Powell, Chris Conrad, Jack Black, Edie McClurg, Patrick Thomas O'Brien, Jacob Vargas, and Alanna Ubach all had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJeff PollackStarsDuane MartinTupac ShakurLeonStory of a promising high school basketball star and his relationships with two brothers, one a drug dealer and the other a former basketball star fallen on hard times and now employed as a security guard.Excellent sports/crime drama from Jeff Pollack that follows a rising Harlem high school basketball star named Kyle-Lee Watson and is about to graduate, and is waiting to see if he's getting into Georgetown University on a scholarship. Meanwhile, he becomes torn between his loyalties to a ruthless local drug dealer named Birdie, and a former basketball star named Shep. Birdie becomes increasingly more demanding and threatening to Kyle-Lee and several others as the story moves on, which creates deadly results. Powerful and well done story all around with great drama and an excellent soundtrack. Duane Martin, Leon, and Tupac Shakur all delivered excellent lead performances. David Bailey, Tonya Pinkins, Marlon Wayans, Bernie Mac, Wood Harris, Eric Nies, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJamie HowellTHIS LAND IS ... WHOSE LAND? Pedal-Driven delves into the escalating conflict between mountain bikers with their hunger to ride and the federal land managers charged with protecting the public lands that belong to us all. Is there any room for mountain bikers in the American landscape?Thought-provoking documentary about the battle between mountain bikers and the U.S. Forest Service that prohibit bikers from touching public land, and delves into riders creating their own tracks just to be torn down, and the argument of who "the public" really is when it comes to using these government protected trails. Very interesting film with great action shots throughout.
- DirectorAlan MetterStarsRodney DangerfieldSally KellermanBurt YoungTo help his discouraged son get through college, a funloving and obnoxious rich businessman decides to enter the school as a student himself.Hysterical comedy from Alan Metter that follows a wealthy and heavyset middle-aged businessman named Thorton Melon who owns a large chain of clothing stores for overweight people. When his son Jason informs him that he wants to drop out of the prestigious college he attends because he doesn't fit in, Thorton informs his nasty and cheating wife that he wants a divorce, and decides it's a great time for a life change, and heads out to attend college alongside his son Jason to help him succeed. And many things hilariously go wrong. Rodney Dangerfield was absolutely fantastic. I'd have to say it's his best lead performance of all time. Hilarious writing and a great story keeps this film in rotation at least once per year for me. It never fails to deliver laughs. Keith Gordon, Sally Kellerman, and Paxton Whitehead also have excellent starring roles. Burt Young, Terry Farrell, Robert Downey Jr., M. Emmet Walsh, Adrienne Barbeau, William Zabka, Ned Beatty, Sam Kinison, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsWill SmithJamie FoxxJon VoightA biography of sports legend Muhammad Ali, focusing on his triumphs and controversies between 1964 and 1974.Very nice sports biopic from Michael Mann on the life of boxing superstar Muhammad Ali. The story focuses on the success and controversy of his career from 1964–1974—from his extreme outspoken confidence, his allegiance to the Nation of Islam, his relationship with Malcolm X and role in the civil rights movement, to his refusal to join the military, which puts his career at risk. The movie runs a bit long, but it is well done overall. Will Smith delivers a very nice lead performance. Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles, Jeffrey Wright, Mykelti Williamson, and many others had solid supporting roles.
- DirectorGeorge Tillman Jr.StarsKhris DavisJasmine MathewsSullivan JonesFueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit.Very nice sports biopic from George Tillman Jr. on the life and unique career path of Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, George Foreman. The story follows his poverty-stricken childhood, which frequently found him fighting due to anger issues. Fueled by his poor family and determination to succeed, veteran trainer Doc Broadus leads him to fight in the Olympics and beyond. After having a brush with death, he decides to quit fighting and dedicate his life to god as a preacher. But after several years of living the holy life, money problems present themselves once again, which sets up one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. The story was fascinating and well done, but just lacked the punch a lot of great sports biopics have. Khris Davis delivered a great lead performance. Forest Whitaker, Sonja Sohn, John Magaro, Sullivan Jones, Jasmine Mathews, Austin David Jones, Kei, and many others had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRon SheltonStarsKevin CostnerRene RussoDon JohnsonA washed-up golf pro working at a driving range tries to qualify for the U.S. Open in order to win the heart of his successful rival's girlfriend.Very nice romantic comedy drama about a failed golf pro who spends his days working on a shabby West Texas driving range when a gorgeous woman and girlfriend of his biggest rival randomly stops in looking for golf lessons. Along the way, she inspires him to try qualifying for the US Open and make some big life changes. Kevin Costner and Rene Russo both have excellent lead performances. Cheech Marin and Don Johnson also had nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorRod DanielStarsMichael J. FoxJames HamptonSusan UrsittiAn ordinary high school student discovers that his family has an unusual pedigree.Great coming-of-age sports comedy from Rod Daniel that follows a typical 17-year-old high-school student and basketball player named Scott Howard who starts to go through some mysterious physical "changes" and learns that he has a hereditary condition that makes him transform into a werewolf when he gets angry or excited. The change makes him the most popular student in school amongst his friends, basketball team, and with the ladies. After some time passes and he loses control during a violent altercation, his friends start to resent his gift, which also finds Scott reexamining his own life and if he wants to continue being "the wolf". Michael J. Fox was perfect for the role and delivered an excellent lead performance. James Hampton, Susan Ursitti, Jerry Levine, Lorie Griffin, Jay Tarses, Mark Holton, Matt Adler, James MacKrell, Mark Arnold, Scott Paulin, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorAdam McKayStarsWill FerrellJohn C. ReillySacha Baron CohenNumber one NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby stays atop the heap thanks to a pact with his best friend and teammate, Cal Naughton, Jr. But when a French Formula One driver, makes his way up the ladder, Ricky Bobby's talent and devotion are put to the test.Very funny sports comedy that follows the #1 NASCAR stock car driver Ricky Bobby and his best friend and teammate, Cal Naughton, Jr., who are known as a fearless duo that's constantly finishing in the #1 and #2 positions. But when French Formula One driver Jean Girard starts making waves in the circuit, "Shake" and "Bake" will be put to the true test. Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and Sacha Baron Cohen all had very nice lead performances. Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb, Jane Lynch, Amy Adams, and many others had very funny supporting roles.
- DirectorBrendan MalloyEmmett MalloyStarsFlex AlexanderDavid DenmanA.J. CookA snowboarder's plans for his own snowboard park go awry when an ex-girlfriend returns to town.Very funny and frosty sports comedy about a young snowboarder who works at a resort called Bull Mountain in Alaska, which is staffed with a bunch of party-loving snowboard bums. Everything is going great until the son of the late founder wants to transform it into a money-making tourist themed ski resort. Jason London delivered a very nice lead performance. Willie Garson, Lee Majors, Flex Alexander, A.J. Cook, David Denman, Caroline Dhavernas, Derek Hamilton, Zach Galifianakis, David Koechner, Victoria Silvstedt, and others had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorSheldon LettichStarsJean-Claude Van DammeHarrison PageDeborah RennardAn Ex-French Soldier begins participating in underground street fights in order to make money for his brother's family.Very nice action/crime drama about a French Foreign Legion officer that abandons his unit to be with his dying brother in Los Angeles, when he starts competing in underground street fights to pay bills for his brother's family. This has always been one of my favorite Jean-Claude Van Damme flicks. The acting and story isn't all that great, but the action is awesome, and it's very entertaining throughout. Harrison Page, Deborah Rennard, Lisa Pelikan, Ashley Johnson, Brian Thompson, and Abdel Qissi all had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorSylvester StalloneStarsSylvester StalloneAntonio TarverMilo VentimigliaThirty years after the ring of the first bell, Rocky Balboa comes out of retirement and dons his gloves for his final fight against the reigning heavyweight champ Mason 'The Line' Dixon.Very nice sequel to cap off the Rocky franchise. This time we follow Philadelphia's favorite son in his 16th year after retiring from boxing—now running an Italian themed restaurant named after his late wife, Adrian. When reigning heavyweight champ Mason "The Line" Dixon loses a virtual boxing match to to ex-champ, he challenges Rocky to a 10-round exhibition bout, which Rocky shockingly accepts. I'm happy to say that it's way better than "Rocky V" (1990), but it still doesn't fo it for me like 1976–1985 era Rocky. Sylvester Stallone did a great job as director, writing, and the lead star. Antonio Tarver, Milo Ventimiglia, Burt Young, Geraldine Hughes, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorPeter YatesStarsDennis ChristopherDennis QuaidDaniel SternA working-class Indiana teen obsessed with the Italian cycling team vies for the affections of a college girl while searching for life goals with his friends.Very nice bicycle-inspired coming-of-age comedy drama from Peter Yates that follows a teenager named Dave, who lives in Indiana and idolizes the Italian cycling team, and works to pursue his dream while he deals with other drama in his life. The film is fascinating in many ways. It has very high fan and critical reviews, but I thought the movie was a bit slow, and not very gripping overall. It does tackle the sports end with the bicycles quite nicely, and carves out a unique film for fans of bicycles. Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, and Jackie Earle Haley all deliver great lead performances. Barbara Barrie, Paul Dooley, Robyn Douglass, and others also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsRalph MacchioPat MoritaRobyn LivelyOstracised villain John Kreese attempts to gain revenge on Daniel and Miyagi, with the help of a Vietnam War comrade, the wealthy owner of a toxic waste disposal business.While this is the weakest film (with Ralph Macchio) in the Karate Kid universe, it still has its shining moments. Thomas Ian Griffith (Terry Silver) and Martin Kove (Kreese) team-up to bring Cobra Kai back to the Valley in a forceful fashion as Daniel prepares to defend his title in an All-Valley Championship. Sean Kanan was also very good as "Karate's Bad Boy" Mike Barnes. This sequel will prove to be essential material for Cobra Kai fans in season 4 (and 5?). Robyn Lively also had a nice supporting role.
- DirectorAlex RanariveloStarsSasha AlexanderKathleen WilhoiteChristina MooreThe inspiring story of a BMX champion who overcame an abusive childhood through the love and life lessons of his interracial foster family.Not since Rad (1986) has there been a proper sports drama centered around BMX/Freestyle bikes. Very nice story about an abused teenage boy with racism issues stemming from troubled childhood, who is adopted by a interracial couple who is willing to give him another chance as they work with his anger issues, and find he is exceptionally talented riding BMX bikes, which helps him with his personal problems as he rises to the top. Shane Graham, Ludacris, and Sasha Alexander all deliver great lead performances among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorJosh GordonWill SpeckStarsWill FerrellJon HederAmy PoehlerIn 2002, two rival Olympic ice skaters were stripped of their gold medals and permanently banned from men's single competition. Presently, however, they've found a loophole that will allow them to qualify as a pairs team.Very funny sports comedy that follows a couple of rival olympic figure skaters who get in a fight on the awards platform after tying first place for the gold medal, and are subsequently banned from men's figure skating. Three years later they learn they have only been banned from the singles competition, and are able to compete as a team of doubles, as they humorously join forces to take down the gold. Will Ferrell and Jon Heder both deliver great lead performances. Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Jenna Fischer, Craig T. Nelson, William Fichtner, Nick Swardson, and others had very funny supporting roles.
- DirectorRobert Ben GarantStarsDan FoglerChristopher WalkenGeorge LopezDown-and-out former professional ping-pong phenom, Randy Daytona, is sucked into a maelstrom when FBI Agent Ernie Rodriguez recruits him for a secret mission. Randy is determined to bounce back and win, and to smoke out his father's killer -- arch-fiend Feng.Very funny comedy, and unique since there aren't many sports films that focus on ping-pong. Nice story that follows a former ping-pong who's recruited by an FBI agent to infiltrate an underground ping-pong death match. Being a fan of the sport and the concept, I thoroughly enjoyed this film, even though there is nothing extraordinary about it. Dan Fogler delivered a great lead performance. George Lopez, Christopher Walken, Maggie Q, James Hong, and Terry Crews all had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMichael RitchieStarsWalter MatthauTatum O'NealVic MorrowAn aging, down-on-his-luck ex-minor leaguer coaches a team of misfits in an ultra-competitive California little league.Very nice comedy drama from Michael Ritchie that follows a beer-drinking ex-minor league coach named Morris Buttermaker that agrees to coach a The Bears—a team comprised of the worst players of the entire Southern California Little League, after they decided to nix the least skilled kids from all the other teams. They find success when the best female player in town joins the team. Walter Matthau and Tatum O'Neal both deliver great lead roles. Jackie Earle Haley, Alfred Lutter III, Chris Barnes, Erin Blunt, Gary Lee Cavagnaro, Jaime Escobedo, Scott Firestone, Brett Marx, Quinn Smith, Vic Morrow, Joyce Van Patten, Ben Piazza, and many others also had great supporting roles