I was flipping channels and got sucked into "Remember the Titans" this weekend. I forgot what a terrific movie it is, with a solid Denzel lead. Always looking for an easy topic to write about, it got me thinking about some of my favorite sports movies. (Lazy blogging, I know.) With apologies to "Brian's Song", I'm gonna stick to movies from 1980-present. In the sports comedy section, "Caddyshack" is a no-brainer. But there's also "Major League", "Happy Gilmore", "Talladega Nights" and so many more. Also, do movies like "The Naked Gun" and "Old School" count as sports films due to the inclusion of baseball and gymnastics, respectively? These are the questions that plague me. Maybe God could provide an answer if he wasn't so busy helping all those athletes win ESPYs. Oh, well.
For me, "Hoosiers" has to be the greatest sports film, beating out the aforementioned "Remember the Titans", "Field of Dreams" and "The Natural", among others. 'Hoosiers" kind of designed a formula that a number of sports movies follow to this day. Gene Hackman, who now spends his time stealing voiceover work(Lowe's, Oppenheimer) from poor youngsters, was nothing short of brilliant. And no one needs to be reminded of Dennis Hopper's role as "Shooter". I've left out tons of great movies, so feel free to mention some favorites of your own and criticize my picks. I know Matt will never forgive me for ignoring "The Sandlot". One more drama that I must recommend is a basketball drama called "Above the Rim" that features a tour-de-force from a young rapper/actor named Tupac Shakur. 'Pac plays a hustler named "Birdie" that corrupts blue chip ballers. *SPOILER ALERT* At the end, Birdie is shot to death by Marlon Wayans.
Comments
When are you guys going to be back on the wires? I miss my daily dose of E News, college tail, story time, and general silliness. Hope you guys can work out a schedule soon.
Posted by: Chris | July 21, 2008 12:29 PM
"All the Right Moves" My wife likes the full frontal of Tom Cruise. When is the next Broadcast?
Posted by: mike | July 21, 2008 02:56 PM
"Slap Shot" is the funniest for my money. I had a soft spot for "The Bad News Bears". What about the shirtless boy wonder in "We are Marshall"? Maybe Matt can find some sports themed porno movies for us to research.
Posted by: Oak Park Mike | July 21, 2008 03:08 PM
I like the your choices, Brendan. The sports movie that never fails to suck me in is "Varsity Blues".
"Who really gives a damn about Bud Kilmer or his 23rd district title?!?!"
"I DO!!! I do."
Posted by: Fish | July 21, 2008 03:24 PM
"Alright, boys, this is the last shot we got! We're gonna run the picket fence at 'em! Jimmy, you're solo right! Everett, Merle should be open on the other side of that fence! Now, boys, don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!"...gotta love Shooter! Get those wires plugged back in soon!!!
Posted by: blackieonechance | July 21, 2008 05:21 PM
I hope you guys can do a show soon. I need my fix!!!
Posted by: Patti | July 21, 2008 06:22 PM
Air Bud
Air Bud: Golden Receiver
Air Bud: World Pup
Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch
Air Bud: Spikes Back
Air Bud: Aussie Rules
The puns get better and better...then stop.
Posted by: Colin | July 21, 2008 07:58 PM
Right on Brendo, you got most of the classics, however I would included caddyshack. Not that much about sports, but close enough and damn funny. Hope to hear you guys back on the air soon... maybe you could just do a one man show and imitate matt throughout. Something because I have no idea what is going on the the e-news world, and you are my only hope.
Posted by: Greg | July 21, 2008 11:06 PM
Some skirt had to mention A League of Their Own. The catches and slides are fantastic. Plus Tom Hanks drunk is always fun. Jon Lovitz as the scout hilarious. Not to mention Rosie & Madonna and that annoying kid who was always eating a candy bar. Now that's good stuff. Hope you get back on soon.
Posted by: someskirt | July 22, 2008 10:46 AM
Hey, what about Wildcats? That has a young Woody Harelson in it and was filmed in Chicago! And when are you guys doing a new show?? I think I have all the podcasts out there memorized!
Posted by: April | July 22, 2008 11:11 AM
I'm shocked you would discuss Remember the Titans without mentioning Hayden Panettiere
Posted by: Norwood Park Mark | July 22, 2008 04:38 PM
I second (or third) the motion to get you guys back on the wires ASAP! I need me some party girl
The Wave
Posted by: Big Wave Dave | July 22, 2008 06:59 PM
You forgot to mention the Bernie Mac classic, Mr. 300. Tell me this wasn't an intentional oversight.
Posted by: katie | July 22, 2008 09:48 PM
Add me to the list of "millions" that are missing your show.
Posted by: Gloria | July 23, 2008 11:23 AM
You're killing me, Smalls.
Posted by: andrew | July 23, 2008 07:46 PM
For me the greatest sports movie of all time is Personal Best (for obvious reasons) It also kind of fits in with the whole Mr. Skin thing, but on a totally different level!
Posted by: Lombard Lesbian | July 25, 2008 09:47 AM
b, u wrong for that spoiler dog. wrong like when pac deaded bernie "flip" mac while he slept in his refrigerator box- double spoiler oooh!!!
Posted by: otis | August 4, 2008 09:00 PM