Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) (Movie Review)

  There’s a simple driving goal when it comes to family pictures … find a way to appeal to both children and adults in equal measure. For my money, it doesn’t get any more special than 1988’s "Who Framed Roger Rabbit", which is based on the novel “Who Censored Roger Rabbit”. Still to this day, it’s one of my personal favorite movies ever made. When this movie first came out, it was a ground breaking mix of live-action and animation, and one of the very first big crossover events that brought several recognizable characters from various properties together in one picture. 

Needless to say, the film was a smash hit, received critical acclaim, won four Academy Awards, and paved the way for a new renaissance in animation, at a time when neither cartoons or animated pictures were that popular. In the years sense, countless other films tried to recreate what “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” achieved, and most of which barley even came close to recapturing the magic of this film. I freely admit, I have nothing but love for movies in the vein of 1996’s “Space Jam”, but I’d also brand something like that as a “guilty-pleasure”, where by contrast, I’d label “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” as a masterpiece in its own right. While it could have simply coasted on the premise of live-action humans interacting with famous cartoon characters, Director Robert Zemeckis, along with Producer Steven Spielberg, and an ensemble of talented screen-writers, producers, and filmmakers all decided to go the extra mile, and told a thoughtful story, with layered characters, a humble yet simplistic message, no shortage of entertainment, and had a perfectly realized tone that can appeal to both kids and adults on an equal playing field.       

   The setting is Hollywood California, the year is 1947, and it’s a golden age for classic cartoon characters. However, in this reality, cartoons are depicted as lower-class actors, who show-up to work on animated pictures, but don’t have much going for them outside of the studio, as additional work is limited, and their all rounded-up in one single location called Toon Town. One private detective named Eddie Valiant once loved Toons, and dedicated his life to solving cases for them. However, he gradually forms a prejudice against them, as one rouge cartoon murdered his brother. Years later, a popular cartoon character named Rodger Rabbit is framed for the murder of Toon Towns human owner, which is secretly part of a scheme from some bad guys who want to take ownership of the town, only to erase it from existence, and construct a new free-way in its place. Now, detective Valiant has to make a choice between proving the cartoon rabbit’s innocents, or letting his prejudice of Toons keep him from cracking the case. It’s a straight forward mystery plot, with all the classic staples of Film Noir, but with cartoon characters present, along with a splash of comedy, and an overarching theme of prejudice versus justice. It’s simply a brilliant concept all around, and one of those cases where everything in the screenplay just clicked perfectly.

    The most important thing this movie got wright is the dynamic between its two leads … Eddie Valiant and Rodger Rabbit. 

The two have excellent chemistry, and both their story and screen presence are layered in a way that I’m perfectly content to watch them, without relying on the novelty of the films entertaining villain, or attractive eye-candy, or even its round-up of classic cartoons. The character of Roger Rabbit is a perfect example of a silly cartoon done right. The movie begins with a silly animated short, in which Roger puts himself on the line to protect the little Baby Herman from the dangers of a kitchen. While this opening is relentless with its cartoon slapstick, it’s also important for establishing what separates Roger from other classic cartoon characters. 

Whereas others are motivated by ego, or mischievous excitement, Roger is placed in these scenario’s simply by his care and concern for the safety of others. In essence, he may be a clumsy goof … but he has a heart that can rival most other toons. There’s also a great moment when Roger gives a passionate speech to Eddie about the value in making people laugh … all while standing on an actual soup box, which is a great touch. Eddie Valiant is also perfectly casted by the late Bob Hoskins, who walks a perfect middle ground between being the straight man, while also supplying a lot of personality to the role. Whereas someone like Bill Murry would have been a little too animated, Bob Hoskins was able to offset his cartoon costars with both genuine human emotions, and a range of theatrics on display. It also helped that Bob Hoskins went to Mime school, and thus, made it all the more convincing that he was interacting with both characters and items that weren’t really there on the set.   

    However, while the two leads are as perfect as they get … my personal favorite character of the film is the villainess Judge Doom, who’s portrayed brilliantly by the always delightfully theatrical Christopher Lloyd. 

Of course, director Robert Rodriguez just worked with Lloyd in “Back to the Future”, and while Doc Brown will always be his most celebrated character … I think I like his Judge Doom performance just a little more. Considering just how theatrical Christopher Lloyd is as an entertainer, he could have made this villain extremely loud, bombastic, and while he’s certainly hammy in the role, he’s also very reserved, quiet, and puts a lot of character into his physical performance. Seriously, watch his physical movement, how he holds himself, and how animated he makes every turn and jester … it’s brilliant. With a premise that involves live-action humans mixed with animated characters, it’s perfectly fitting to have a villain who’s basically a live-action cartoon character. He hit’s every cartoony villain cliché in the book, as he’s tall, dark, intimidating, keeps a sword in his cane, and even has a cape that’s always blowing around, despite the lack of wind. In general, I love a villain that can cover a wide range of theatrics, and Judge Doom just hits that perfect middle ground. 

I love it when he’s quiet and imposing, as it makes for a great contrast to later when he’s wild and over the top. Also, for as animated and obviously evil as Judge Doom gets, I always loved that he’s still a character who’s in a mindset that he’s doing something good for the world at large. When he talks about his ambitions for the Free Way, he isn’t relishing in the wealth or finance of it, he’s treating it like this great beautiful gift to the world, and I always feel that adds just a little more flavor to a villain. For me, I’ve always put Judge Doom on that exact same high bar as the Wicked Witch of the West as one of the greatest creepy villains in a family picture. Despite being very little when I first saw this movie, I honestly don’t remember him scaring me too much … with the exception of that one scene in which he killed that cute little cartoon shoe ... yeah, that got to me. Whether he actually scared you or not, he’s undeniably a sinister, entertaining presence, and one of my personal favorite movie villains ever. 

   If there was any other character as capable of grabbing the spot-light, it’s Roger’s attractive wife Jessica Rabbit. Keeping with the Film-Noir style of the picture, Jessica is the alluring femme fatale with a mysterious shady side. Her persona and introduction song are also loving nods to the classic Tex Avery cartoons, which commonly featured good looking red-head stage girls winning the attention of the cartoon character Wolfie … something that would be tributed again in 1994’s “The Mask”. While the character of Jessica Rabbit could have easily been some disposable Eye-Candy for the film, she actually carries some substance though her relationship with Roger. It’s one of those classic odd-couples who convey something special through their own distinct simplicity. Roger is the only character who doesn’t view her as eye candy, and see’s something special in Jessica past her design. On the flip side, Jessica doesn’t have much of a personality, and is thus drawn to someone who brings nothing but joy and laughter to those around him. Despite their limited screen time together, there’s still something genuinely nice about their romance, and for me, that’s what gives Jessica Rabbit her beauty.     

   I also like that, despite all the iconic cartoon characters at the films disposal, it also offers a gallery of original characters, who help give the movie its own identity. Benny the Cab became something of a mascot for the movie, and is the figurehead of the film’s promotional material, including the Disneyland theme park ride. Benny’s car chase sequence is another one of the films highlights, and despite being a relatively short chase, it was one of the most challenging segments behind the scenes for the film-crew to pull-off. There’s also Baby Herman, who has the look of a toddler, but the voice and personality of a cranky, middle-aged adult ... something that would get replicated in pop-culture countless times. Rounding-up the cast of originals are the nasty Toon-Patrol Weasels, who are tasked by the villain to capture fugitive cartoons. These characters have become memorable mascots in their own right, and were based on reoccurring Weasel villains in the Disney cartoon line-up. 

  Of course, the big draw to this film is its gargantuan ensemble of iconic characters sharing one movie together. 

Rather than be restricted to the characters of a single studio, this film runs the gambit with Disney characters, Warner Brothers characters, Paramount Characters, and it just creates this inviting childhood-atmosphere in which all your favorites live in the same universe. It’s something I always fantasized about as a kid, and I distinctly remember how much fun it was back in the day pointing out all these recognizable mascots like Wood Woodpecker, Felix the Cat, the Loony Toons, and I was constantly looking around for familiar faces. Naturally, I grew-up with the classic animated Disney movies, so seeing characters like Dumbo, Pinocchio, Bambi, the Snow White cast, and even the extras from “Fantasia” was a real treat. Even obscure Disney characters like Jose Carioca from "The Three Caballeros", and the Golden Harp from "Fun and Fancy Free" can be seen. 

The scene that had my jaw-drop when I was a kid was seeing Donald Duck in a musical duel with Daffy Duck. Back then, seeing my favorite Disney character, battle the other famous cartoon duck was just the coolest thing. Of course, seeing the two most iconic cartoon characters Mickey Mouse and Buggs Bunny on screen together was one of those special moments when it felt like the world just stopped moving for a second. I also have fond memories of watching Droopy Dog cartoons with one of my best childhood friends, so seeing Droopy Dog as an elevator Bellhop was always a delight. However, I think the best utilized iconic character in the whole film is Betty Boop, who was the only Toon to stir-up nostalgic feelings in Eddie Valiant, and the little exchange between the two is one of the most delightful moments of the whole film. On a side note, this marked the last time the original voice actress Mae Questel played Betty Boop … who even at her old age … “She’s still got it”. This film also marked the last time Mel Blank would voice his signature Loony Toons characters.

  Now, if I was to nit-pick at some details, it would be that some of the cartoon characters on display weren’t around yet in the films setting of 1947. For example, cartoon characters like Tinker Belle, Mr. Toad, and those Waiter Penguins from “Marry Poppins” are seen in the film, but they weren’t created until years later. Also, the one scene I’ve got mixed feelings on is the Toon Town segment. Back when I was a kid, this was my favorite scene of the film, and I still love all the tinny details on display. I also love that the entrance to the city is this giant, dark imposing tunnel, which is a great contrast to the bright and colorful cartoon world on the other end. However, I feel that prior to this sequence, the film had a consistent tone, which drops a little at this point. Granted, the scene should be more manic and over the top, but I still think they could have toned it down just a little. Personally … I never liked that insane Jessica Rabbit double-ganger, and I wish that was just removed all together. Regardless, the Toon Town sequence never overstayed it’s welcome, is an okay scene overall, and it made for an awesome Disneyland location to visit when I was a kid.

  The breakthrough animation on display was done by one Richard Williams, who was one of the great animation directors of his time, and I feel his work on “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” is his best work by far. While the blending of live-action and animation had been accomplished a number of times before this film … the craft was perfected here, and still has yet to be surpassed. The cartoons never looked too digital, but they also didn’t look like flat 2D cut-outs either, it was a perfect middle ground. Also, the details on display are extraordinary, as the animation is mixed with a number of practical effects and puppetry. I love seeing how the Toon’s manipulate live-action objects around them, and it further gives them a sense of really being there. They leave prints in the dust, they interact with real water, they cast shadows, they carry practical objects, there’s a moment when Jessica grabs a guy’s face, and the movement is perfectly in-sink with the animation. Naturally, the film won the Academy Award for Best Special Effects, as well as Best Film Editing, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Richard Williams received a Special Achievement Award for Directing the Animation. The film was also nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Original Sound Design, and Best Cinematography.  

  However, putting aside all the impressive effects and animation on display, there’s so much to admire just from the live-action segments. The film creates a lived-in breathable atmosphere, and there’s so much personality on display. When Eddie arrives in his wife’s rundown-bar, it feels like you walked into one of many reoccurring days in the lives of these people. Regular customers are on a first-name bases with the owners, and you instantly get this community sense that everyone knows each other. There’s also a number of adult jokes that went over my head as a kid, and not just innuendos, but pop-cultural references that are more accessible to adult viewers … “Say Hello Harvey!”. Although, there are still plenty of innuendos for adults to laugh at … and I always laughed at Jessica Rabbits “Booby-Trap”. It’s also cool as an adult noticing the select real world parallels laced throughout the story. For example, the Ink and Paint Club, where Toons serve humans, but aren’t allowed to watch the performances is influenced by New York’s 1920’s Cotton Club. Also, the villains plan to construct a Free-Way was influenced by the downfall of the Pacific Electric Railway in the 1940’s. Aside from all that, there’s so much beauty in the filmmaking on display that I really admire viewing through an adult lens.

  While my favorite sense as a kid was the Toon Town segment, my favorite scene as an adult is simply the moment focusing on Eddies Desk. This is a perfect example of a filmmaker using the camera as a means to tell the story. Not a single word is verbally spoken, yet this little scene speaks a thousand words, and gives great insight to our lead character. He’s looking through photos tied into his current assignment, then stumbles upon old vacation photos, he’s smiling, but then he comes across a photo of him with his late brother, and the look on his face is a perfect example of why Bob Hoskins was such an important casting choice for this movie, as his reaction conveys everything you need. The camera then pans over to the desk, the pile-up of dust tells us it hasn’t been touched once, we then see in another photo that Eddie and his brother were once circus performers … which will explain Eddies acrobatics during the climax. We also see that they were the silly members of a police force, and we see little snippets of all the cases they took helping other Toons … and on a side note, who else wants to know more about “Goofy on Spy Charges” ... that's hilarious. This is simply visual storytelling at its finest, and it makes the backstory exposition during the theater sequence feel both earned and satisfying. Alan Silvestri’s music score also caries so much emotion, and triggers so much nostalgia. I’ve loved smooth Jaz my whole life, and Alan Silvestri’s music balled for Eddie Valiant in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” has always had a special place in my heart.                    

   Let’s finally talk about the exciting climax at the ACME Warehouse, which is absolutely the icing on the cake. It’s really no surprise that a bad guy named Judge Doom has a Doom’s Day machine, one that will erase Toon Town off the map, leaving space enough for the villains to expand their vision of transportation. 

With Roger and Jessica strung-up to be the first victims, Eddie has to return to his goofy roots, and get the Weasels to laugh themselves to death ... which is a very unique and creative method to do away with the crones. It all builds to a thrilling final showdown between Eddie and Doom, which knocked my socks off back when I was a little kid. When I first saw this, my high-bar for a climax was seeing Disney’s Aladdin fight a giant Snake, so this climax felt like the next coolest thing. The layout of the Warehouse was a perfect set-piece, and offered a fun supply of different items, weapons and vehicles to be utilized ... and all of which were established in an earlier scene. Some of it got brutal, and even a touch creepy when the villain reveals his true colors. In a surprise twist, Judge Doom was in-fact the same wicked toon that killed Eddies brother, and he takes on a new appearance as a half-man, half-toon psychopath. It’s an awesome sequence, and while I don’t remember it scaring me, I was never the less on the edge of my seat with excitement. For a time, this seemed like one of the spookiest finales to a family film, but in the years sense, it feels kind of tame compared to other things kids get exposed to. My favorite part was always the villain’s death, which gave a loving nod to the Wicked Witches demise from “The Wizard of Oz”.           

  In general, there’s no such thing as a perfect movie … as every individual viewer will have different tastes and appeals. However, when judged in the context of a specific genera, I feel a movie can be regarded as perfect by its own standards. As far as family pictures are concerned … I say with no shame … 1988’s “Who Framed Rodger Rabbit” is a perfect movie. 

It’s honestly one of those special cases in which everything just worked … the characters are fantastic … the story is great … the concept is unique … the effects, both practical and animated are still impressive several years later … and after all of that, it has the novelty of one of the largest gatherings of pop cultural icons all together in one film. It’s challenging to walk that middle ground, and offer something of both enjoyment and substance to both children and adults in an equal measure … but this film just hits it out of the park. It offers very simple, yet timeless morals, along with a brilliantly arranged screenplay, a consistent level of engagement, and a perfectly balanced tone that’s never too silly for adults or too mature for kids not to have fun while watching. After all these years, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” has a secure spot among my personal all-time favorite movies. I adored it when I was a child, I love it even more as an adult, and I couldn’t recommend it more. It might give kids a sense of stepping-up in mature content, and for adults, it might just reawaken that little kid who may still reside within all of us.

Thanks for reading my review of 1988’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” … and continue to enjoy the movies you love!        

My Top 10 Favorite Sports Movies

 

  Of the many things I love and enjoy … sports in general has just never been one of them. I love exercising, and I frequently do outdoor activities, like bike riding, or rock climbing, but I’ve just never been one to sign-up for any kind of sport. I certainly don’t have any animosity for sports, there are just other actives I’d rather do outdoors. 

With that said, Sports themed movies can certainly lend themselves to terrific stories, and engaging character journeys. Even as a non-sports person, I can always take something of merit from a well-constructed sport centered picture. They can also crossover with a variety of different genres, as sports movies can be inspiring or dramatic at one moment, then goofy and comedic the next. Thus, ranking my own personal favorite Sports themed movies will be a variety of either inspirational drama’s, silly comedies, and kid-friendly adventures. Honestly, it’s all about how they left an impression on me, and which ones I find myself returning to the most. I’m not trying to make any kind of official best of sports movies list … these are just my 10 personal favorites of what the sports genera has to offer. 

 

#10 “Miracle” (2004)  

The year is 1980, the heated days of the Cold War, with conflicts tense between America and the Soviet Union, and one Hockey coach named Herb Brooks is determined to give the USA something special during the pressing time … beat the un-defeated Soviet Hockey team at the US College Olympics. While the narrative is predictable and even cliched, “Miracle” adds a distinct twist to the genera I hadn't seen before. Usually, the formula focuses on the loosing team, with the coach being the guide who leads them to victory.  

This movie however tilts the formula, by focusing on the journey and character of Coach Brooks, and the failing team is what guide him on his journey to success. While this wasn’t the first movie to go for this approach, it was my introduction to the format, and one that really holds up. The single most important ingredient to this little change-up is Kurt Russell in the lead role, who’s performance is so compelling and layered, you just can’t take your eyes off of him. The supporting players also carry the film with a sense of passion, and it's hard not to get wrapped-up in their stories, even if a touch predictable. Watching this aggressively narrow-sighted coach gradually connect and bond with his team is at the heart of the film, and in the end, it’s one of those simple experiences that leaves me feeling genuinely inspired and delighted afterword.     

 

#9 “Angles in the Outfield” (1994) 

Now, we transition from high-bar sports movie, to personal child-hood guilty pleasure. In fact, this will be the first of two guilty pleasure sports movies that only make it on my list out of pure nostalgia. Foster Kid Roger has nothing but love and hope for the Major Leagues worst team … the Anaheim Angels. 

While their heated coach Knox has given-up all faith in them, Roger is still willing to believe in them, to the point where he prays for their success, and that he may soon become one with a real family if they win. Much to Coach Knox’s surprise, along with all of Anaheim, the Angels find themselves on a winning streak … all with the help of real angels on the field, whom can only be seen by the young Roger. In many respects, this film is a jarring mix of slap-stick fantasy comedy, and grounded human drama, which is why the film has a mostly mixed to negative reception. For me though … it’s something of a childhood classic, and one that continues to put me in a warm and cheerful mood. Yes, it’s corny, juvenile, and over the top, but it also has its genuinely uplifting moments, as well as heartfelt scenes, and even some worthy points on faith and one’s beliefs.  

What really keeps this film on my personal list of favorites is the cast, which includes a very young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, along with an 18-year-old Adrien Brody in a small supporting role, the delightful Brenda Fricker, and I’ll always remember this movie as my introduction to Christopher Lloyd, who I always viewed as something of a childhood icon. However, the big one who makes this whole movie worthwhile is Danny Glover as Coach Knox. He was one of those special decade talents who always brought something special to every film he was in, and this to me is one of his shinning performances. While Danny Glover is no stranger to playing hot-tempered characters, he also brings an equal amount of passion and sincerity to his roles, and his portrayal of coach Knox is one that he comfortably slipped right into. I can’t make a persuasive argument that “Angles in the Outfield” is any kind of home run … but as far back as I can remember, this was the film that introduced me to the sports genera, it’s stuck with me as a nostalgic little nugget, and it’s an honest win for me.    

 

#8 “Cool Runnings” (1993) 

Next, we follow-up with another family friendly sports comedy … but this time it thankfully isn’t a guilty pleasure in the same vein as “Angles in the Outfield”. “Cool Runnings” follows four Jamaican bobsledders who dream of competing in the Winter Olympics … despite being raised in considerably warmer climates. 

With the aid of a disgraced former champion, who’s on a personal journey of redemption, the team is set on the path to all out sports glory. While this film fallows all the goofy staples of Disney sports comedies, this film seems to channel a perfect tone, in which it’s light hearted and fun, but isn’t too corny, nor overly sentimental. When the movie calls for tender drama, it transitions into those scenes nicely, and when it’s time to segue back into kid-friendly comedy, it’s an instant delight. The cast all around is infectiously lovable, with the late John Candy hitting it out of the park in one of his final roles. It may be packed with predictable sports movie cliches, and never breaks any inspirational barriers, but there’s just something wholesome, and charming to the film that continues to win me over on repeat viewings. There are corny moments, but also sincere sequences … including a genuinely inspirational climax. “Cool Runnings” may not be the funniest, nor dramatic sports movie, yet it’s combination of the two results in a lighthearted experience, and a personal favorite from the genera.    

 

#7 “The Karate Kid” (2010) 

When a twelve-year-old boy is forced to move to China with his mother, he finds himself a fish out of water, as it’s challenging to fit-in, and is constantly at the mercy of a bully who’s skilled in Kung Fu. The boy soon becomes friends with a former martial arts master, is taught the art of self-defense, and encourages him to compete in a tournament that will test his bravery, wits and skill. While the 1984 original will always be the superior classic revolving around an underdog kid in a sports competition … I personally can’t help but have a little more fondness for the 2010 remake.

Having the boy be a stranger in a strange land added a fresh new dynamic, and made it easy to connect with the kid and his struggles. It also allowed for more gorgeous scenery, and atmospheric settings. The cast is also very respectful in recreating these iconic roles, with both Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan bringing new dimensions to the characters. I also like that there’s more lore and history explored with the sporting event, which gives it a little more size. There are also effective moments in which the two need to lend emotional support to one another, and it’s a fine example of student sometimes being there for teacher. It’s one of those rare cases in which an update to a classic can deliver something satisfying in its own right. While the film would have been stronger without the baggage of being a remake … and instead titled “The Kung-Fu Kid” … I still can’t help admiring and enjoying this version slightly more then the original, which is also great.

 

#6 “The Natural” (1984) 

Farm-Boy Roy Hobbs had a boyhood dream of going down in Baseball super-stardom, with his father cheering him all the way. After the tragic passing of his dad, a freak lightning bolt takes out a tree branch, which Roy uses to forge his own special bat in his father’s memory. The bat turns out to be so special that he almost seems incapable of striking out, and can even hit a ball so hard, he smashes the face out of a clock tower. 

However, a mysterious young woman sneaks out of the shadows, and might just be rubbing a touch of bad-luck on the unstoppable sports hero. Over time, Roy finds himself a Rookie for the New York Knights, and is staring down a life-time of bad choices. With the encouragement of new admirers, and special friends from his childhood past … he might just be able to rekindle that winning gift, concur his personal demons, and fulfill his childhood dream. If there’s anything to take from this story, it’s that we all live two lives … the one spent learning … and the other spent living afterword. Despite fitting neatly in the sports genera, this film also has all the distinct character traits, and hallmarks of classic film-noir.

We have the conflicted hero walking around in a Fedora Hat, shady femme fatale’s, scenes in which characters are framed like silhouette’s, Jazz overtones, bad guys who hang in darkly lit rooms, and there’s obviously a number of comic-style elements. The tone surprisingly mixes well with a human sports story, and manages to shake-up the formula. Whereas most baseball films focus on the struggling underdog, this movie spot-lights an overachiever who has to face and reflect on his past mistakes in order to become a real winner. It’s one of those genera classics that’s hard to resist, and has a sincere magic touch that’s all its own. The final cherry on this cake is an all-star cast of A-list performers, including Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Robert Prosky, Richard Farnsworth, and everyone’s favorite dad from “A Christmas Story” Darren McGavin, each of whom are perfectly casted, and hit their performances out of the park like a home run.

 

#5 “Space Jam” (1996) 

It’s a good thing this countdown isn’t framed around quality … otherwise “Space Jam” wouldn’t have even made it to the honorable mentions. However, as this list is constructed around my personal feelings, this film has a secure slot kicking off my top five personal favorites. When the Looney Toons are threatened by invading aliens, a wager is made, and their freedom depends on the outcome of a high stakes Basketball Game.

The aliens cheat their way into becoming unstoppable muscle-bound sports players, leaving the unexperienced Looney Toons at a disadvantage. Thus, Michael Jordon is recruited to lead the team to victory, resulting in a colorful, slapstick laden Basketball game. This is my second childhood guilty pleasure to make my countdown, and it’s always stuck with me as a nostalgic time-capsule of the 90’s. While the film is obviously nothing extraordinary, it’s still something special from my childhood that I can’t help cherishing all these years later. The animation still looks impressive, and the sound track … oh my goodness … few others take me back like this one dose. When it comes to Basketball themed movies, there’s objectively better choices like 1986’s “Hoosiers” … but for me, there’s just some childhood delights that retain their appeal into adulthood … and “Space Jam” has always been one of them.             

 

#4 “Field of Dreams” (1989) 

You’ve probably noticed that most of my favorite sports movies tend to crossover with other movie genera’s, and no-where is it more apparent then with my number four pick … the 1989, Best Picture nominated “Field of Dreams”. When an Iowa farmer named Ray hears a mysterious voice stating … “If you build it, he will come” … he’s persistent to transform his corn field into a baseball diamond. Following this, it brings about the sprit of one Shoeless Joe Jackson, along with the spirits of other late Baseball players. Along the way, Ray discovers that there’s even more to this special hand-made Baseball field then communicating with dead baseball players, as more spiritual revelations ensue for him, his family, and others. 

This film is virtually devoid of traditional sports movie conventions, and yet … it still has that same winning sprit that’s impossible to resist. Even though I’ve never called myself a baseball fan, there’s something about the way these characters describe it, and express their feelings toured it, which really get me to respect the sport, and why it stands as one of Americas most celebrated pass-times. Also, for such a simple premise, there’s this inviting and warm atmosphere to the experience, brought to life through a solid direction, and a charming cast. Even if you’re not a sports fan, this is one of those special films I’d encourage anyone to watch. It’s an appropriately sentimental mixing of drama and fantasy, resulting in a special kind of movie magic that’s virtually non-existent today.        

 

#3 “Rocky” (1976) 

Small-town, down-on-his-luck boxer Rocky Balboa is arbitrarily chosen to take on the running heavyweight champion, but can this nobody rises to the challenge and become a somebody? While the plot of “Rocky” is formulaic and admittedly predictable, a down to earth tone, air-tight script, relatable characters, and an iconic leading performance from Sylvester Stallone all add-up to something special.

It’s a movie that’s been celebrated over the years as one of the all-time great underdog stories, and it’s still being used as the main template for sports Drama’s to draw inspiration from. When it comes to a conventional “hero archetype”, I’m always drawn to the underdog the most. The hero’s that rise to the challenge, the ones that face all odds, and for me, Rocky will always be the pinnacle underdog hero. This is a character that inspires me to do more with myself, to break out, and make a difference. Even if it’s something small, Rocky has always encouraged me to stick to my passions, and follow them through to the end. Throw in an iconic music score, a solid supporting cast, and you've got a classic that deserved it's Best Picture trophy. 

 

#2 “Remember the Titans” (2000) 

Set in 1971, a Black Coach named Herman Boone aims to integrate an all-white football team with African Americans, despite being a highly prejudice time. As expected, they don’t get along initially, but soon … close friendships are formed. Thus, the real challenge isn’t if they’ll win a big football game or not … it’s if their new found friendships can change the view-point of a highly prejudice town.

This movie marked my own personal introduction to Denzel Washington, who knocks it out of the park in this film, and became a favorite of mine for years after. The remaining cast all give equally strong performances, and have excellent chemistry with one-another. Despite following many of the same sports movie conventions, this film has an extra human touch that makes if feel more meaningful then simply an underdog team rising to the challenge. As far as the more serious and grounded sports movies are concerned, “Remember the Titans” has always stuck with me as a personal favorite, and could have fit right in my number one slot … had it not been for one other sports movie, which I have a pinch more fondness for.

 

Before I reveal my #1 favorite, here are some quick honorable mentions …

“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” (2004)

“Rudy” (1993)

“Caddyshack” (1980)

“Hoosiers” (1986)

“Seabiscuit” (2003)

 

#1 “The Sandlot” (1993) 

I may not be much of a sports guy, and baseball has always been my least favorite to play … but regardless, “The Sandlot” has always been one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s a sport movie that’s not really about the sport, and doesn’t rely on old sports movie clichés. When a young boy moves to a quiet little town, he makes friends with a small group of kids, who are all united by their shared love of Baseball. What ensues is a special Summer full of friendship, comedic mishaps, and small scale, backyard adventures ... with an occasional game thrown in for good measure. In essence, this film is about the innocents of youth, and a coming-of-age adventure.

Watching “The Sandlot” is like looking through a window to the past, and it allows you to reflect on a time when you and your friends would play games, get into trouble, and go on your own little adventures that the adults were completely oblivious too. There’re so many funny and charming things happening over the cores of this one summer vacation, and it’s so easy for me to relate to the lead character Scott Smalls. Moving into a new neighborhood full of strangers, then gradually making the best friends you’ve ever had, hanging out, doing all kinds of crazy stuff, and working together to help each other through personal problems. Then finally, you’re an adult looking at old photos of that wonderful time you had with your pals. It’s such a genuinely sweet and wholesome film with lots of excitement, big laughs, quotable lines of dialog, memorable scenes, and I just feel so touched by it every time. It may not be a traditional sports movie … but it’s unmistakably my favorite of what the genera has to offer.

Thanks for reading my Sports Movie countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you love.