All Time Top Five Sports Movies

Although it may seem that the primary intention of making a movie is to entertain and to provide a get-away of emotions, storytelling is the oldest form of communication, and a worthy movie not only entertains, it tells a compelling story. Stories are everywhere. The sports arena provides fascinating stories as any other genre.

As a retired athlete, referred to as a "tomboy" in my generational ('50s-'60s) growing period, I always enjoy a great story that is backdropped by basketballs, the cinder tracks, footballs, baseballs, golfing tees, or boxing gloves. It is difficult to choose just five sports movies that in my opinion may be the best ever made.

I give very high marks to Cinderella Man, (The) Bobby Jones (Story) Stroke of Genius, Raging Bull, Million Dollar Baby, Without Limits, A League of Their Own, The Rookie, Friday Night Lights, and of course Hoosiers and Rocky, all of which identify with individual triumph over adversity in true worlds and in worlds of make believe.

But of all the sports movies I've viewed, it is a fantasy that most catches my eye again and again. It deals with personal triumph over the ills of the world, a man who sees wrong and trys to beat it, if not right it, as he tries to grow through his second chance. It is called The Natural.

No.1) The Natural (1984) = This story played in myth-like performances by Robert Redford and Glenn Close gets my highest ranking exactly because of its stretch of the human imagination. How far would a man go to do what he knows is right? At the age of 35 and returning to baseball after a long absence, would he put in jeopardy his only chance to do the one thing in his life that he has burned to do? The movie's script says "yes," and every time I watch, I can't wait to see him do it! The movie's visuals are an amazing enhancement. The movie is a less cynical adaptation of Bernard Malamud's fantasy novel, which is a mesmerizing read.

No. 2) Chariots Of Fire (1981) = The 1924 Paris Olympics is the backdrop for this stunning and spirited account of the true lives of two English runners: one, Harold Abrahams, who runs against himself and religious bigotry, and one, Eric Liddell, who runs in appreciation of his God-given gift and preaches for the glorious rewards of God-like existences. The dedication of both men, played superbly by Ben Cross and Ian Charleson, respectively, is an introspective look at driven opposites. The soundtrack is unstoppable and helps propel the story to triumph through these two characters.

No. 3) Remember The Titans (2000) = To review this high school football story as uplifting is an understatement. It is about black and white, opposites in circumstances, likenesses in humanity, one for all, and all for one, based on a true story of coming together for a common purpose. Black and white players accept themselves and one another through the stirring example of their black coach, Herman Boone, played with quiet heroism by Denzel Washington, who has taken on the task of replacing fifteen-year winning white mentor Bill Yoast (Will Patton).

No. 4) The Bad News Bears (1976) = Walter Matthau summons the complete range of human complexity to play a fictional, boozy has-been minor-league pitcher who inadvertently lands the job of coaching his estranged daughter's (Tatum O'Neal) adolescent co-ed baseball team. What he and they all learn about having a good time rather than stressing out about competitiveness is timeless and necessary kid-fare. While all around is dog-eat-dog chaos, they discover together how to connect while playing a game in a child's league.

No. 5) Fear Strikes Out (1957) = Played with astounding realism by Anthony Perkins, this story is based on the true experience of Boston Red Sox baseball great Jimmy Piersall. As a youngster, Piersall demonstrates uncanny ability with a baseball, but he is driven to shaking uncertainty by his relentless father, played toughly by Karl Malden. Piersall battles and overcomes his mental illness and his father's heavy shadow. He conquers and perfects his game, creating a sterling major league career that lasted 17 years.

The above top five movies may be searched at www.alibris.com and www.amazon.com.