The 5 "Must See" Sports Movies

The sports movie is about American is it gets. Most guys, at least in my generation, received part of our "man training" under the hot summer sun, or in the chill of the ice rink. We learned about rules, teamwork, and excellence. Our proving ground was the field, rink, or court. It is no wonder that the love of a good sports movie is nearly programmed into us.

The following 5 movies are the "must see" of the genre. Not only are they entertaining, but they teach us lessons about real life.

"The Pride of the Yankees" (1942)

Gary Cooper portrays the quiet, mild mannered Superstar of his day, Lou Gehrig. A true ironman of baseball with over 2,000 consecutive games under his belt who at the peak of his career is cut down by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a fatal, degenerative disease. Such was the shock to the public at the time, ALS became known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease".

The movie itself brings us back to the days when we still believed that our hero's on the field were good, decent men, whose highest priority was making their parents proud of them. Truly a timeless classic, worthy of a viewing every year or two.

"Pride of the Yankees" can still be purchased new at Amazon.

"Cobb" (1994)

This film should carry the subtitle; "The Anti-Gehrig". Statistically, Ty Cobb is hailed by most as the greatest player in history of the game. But Cobb had a deep and very dark side. While watching Tommy Lee Jones's portrayal, one wonders how he managed to live as long as he did, spewing forth hate with almost every word, and using violence as the first resort to solving almost any problem. Robert Wuhl is a perfect counterpart as a writer trying to get the story of his career, and survive Ty Cobb while on the road trip from Hell.

After my better half and I saw this movie the first time she summed it up in one short sentence: "That was a really good movie, but God was that guy an a..." and she didn't use the word "angel".

"Cobb" can be purchased new at Amazon.

"Brian's Song" (1971)

It is rare that a movie makes people reevaluate themselves. In 1971 the Civil Rights act of 1968 was only 3 years old, we were still 2 more long years from bringing the boys home from Vietnam, and the streets still ran with blood as America tried to cope with the social changes. It was into this crucible that one night on televisions across America "Brian's Song" aired for the first time. For just a moment people stopped, and looked at themselves. A Black guy and a White were Friends? And not only friends, but actually loved each other (in a totally heterosexual way of course). The made for TV movie based on part of Gale Sayers autobiography, "I am third", was so popular it would be released in theaters.

James Caan and Billy Dee Williams play the Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo, and Gale Sayers. It's a standard two guys become buddies movie, except in this case one of them gets terminal cancer.

"Brians Song" is sure to open the tear faucet on the womenfolk, and make most guys "get something" in their eye.

"Brians Song" can be purchased new at Amazon.

"Rocky" (1976)

A truly great movie about a low level debt collector living out a life with no promise in a place where there is no escape. With his portrayal of Rocky Balboa, this is the movie that made Sylvester Stallone. This movie had everything, great acting, great story, and a great fight. Even at the end of the movie, when Rocky loses the fight, you cheer for him, because by now you realize something Rocky knew right away. It isn't always about winning or losing, sometimes it's all about the journey.

If your looking for a double feature some night, "Rocky Balboa" would be a perfect match.

"Rocky" can be purchased new at Amazon.

"Cinderella Man" (2005)

I must admit to some bias here. My Grandfather was a boxer and was a contemporary of James Braddock. I can remember him and my Great Uncles sitting around the kitchen table gabbing about Braddock, Baer, and Schmeling. He spoke with respect towards Braddock, so in the nature of things, I also respect Braddock.

In the movie we follow Braddock as his career ends, and his family descends into poverty. Eventually Braddock begins to fight, and eventually gets a shot at the Heavyweight Title. The film has beautifully shot fight scenes and even, flowing storyline. I believe the Russell Crowe gave one of his finest performances as James J Braddock, and by what I have heard during interviews over the years, was spot on in his portrayal of the man himself.

"Cinderella Man" Can Be Purchased at Amazon.

So there you have it. Now it's time to order up the pizza, gather your buddies, put the beer on ice, and settle in for a serious movie night.