This is it.
2.) Hoosiers (1986)
Tagline: They needed a second chance to finish first.
There was some debate, just among myself, whether Hoosiers should take the top spot. I believe the sports intself are better, but I love number one too much.
That scene above is pretty inpressive and emotional. I remember seeing on the scoreboard at Brewer games when we were losing in the late innings, which was pretty often. (They would play this, or John Belushi scene in Animal House- classic "When the going gets tough...")
Anyway, the best underdog story ever. Small, small town against the big school. They can barely field a team. I also love the scene where the short player, who barely ever plays makes the free throws underhand to win the game. And the scene where they have a town meeting to decide if the fire the coach or not and the star player final shows up and says if the coach stays he'll finally play. Gene Hackman is perfect. Dennis Hopper is great as the drunk father.
Man, totally the definition of a sports movie. Awesome. And it's based on a true story.
P.S. The definiton of hoosier - an awkward, unsophisticated person esp. a rustic- makes this move even better, a perfect fit.
1.) The Karate Kid (1984)
Tagline: He taught him the secret of Karate lies in the mind and heart. Not in the hands.
Well, #1, we made it. It was a daunting task, but an enjoyable one. But really, was number one ever in doubt? No, the Karate Kid is my favorite movie, or on of my three favorite moives (The Karate Kid, In America, Star Wars). I love it! It's usually not to high on most people's lists, but hey, this is my list.
There is so much greatness, I don't know what to talk about.
Well, first video is brilliant "Get 'em a Body Bag!" totally imprinted on my childhood. Most people don't know about the baller soundtrack- "You're the best", Survivor, and Cruel Summer by Bananarama. Yes!
And the whole relationship between Daniel and Ali (Elizabeth Shue- HOT) is suprisingly great. You got the soccer- he teaches her to juggle, great pick-up move, I gotta try it-, the beach, the school scenes, the Halloween Party, the date at the arcade, the fallout, the country club, the redemption, the support at the tournament, and that hug at the end- beautiful.
And there is the serious side of Mr. Miyagi which people often forget. He's not just this teacher/funny foriegn comic relief charcter. His past is rough. The anniversary scene is deep. His family died in an inturnment camp while he was fighting for the US. Man!
And, then there is the stuff that everybody loves about the Karate Kid- the kid getting back at the rich bullies. Daniel-san really got his shit kicked in a few times. The "wax-on, wax-off", the catching flies with chopsticks.
"Have you ever caught one?"
"Not a-yet"
All the training sequences are pretty raw.
Waxing, sanding, painting, staining- he really did a lot of work. And he got the nice car. The scene where Daniel-san realizes he was actually getting taught something was great.
And there was soccer. Yes. Daniel really railed the heck out of one of the guys that beat him up, but got kicked off the team and loses his chance to make friends and impress Ali. Shoot.
Even Cobra Kai is pretty cool.
"Fear does not exist in this dojo, does it?"
"NO SENSEI!"
"Pain does not exist in this dojo, does it?"
"NO SENSEI"
"Defeat does not exist in the dojo, does it?"
"NO SENSI"
Yeah.
Again, the allure is in the idea that sports can raise you up. It's a way to beat the rich kids, to get the hot girls, to make great friends, to be better than those who are supposedly better than you. It's a truly equal playing field. And this medium then transcends to all other parts of life.
Yeah, so below is the final scene. Touching, famous, emotional. One of the best in movies.
Sweep the leg.
Miya-gee dojo.
Danny Larusso, I love you!
There's much more I could write, but the satisfaction on Mr. Miyagi's face at the end shows it all.
Showing posts with label sports movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports movies. Show all posts
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Sports Movies (Part VI)
4.) Breaking Away (1979)
Maybe one of the lesser know films on the list, but I'm very glad to have it this high. My only regret is that I sold my copy to my brother after a brief phase of trying to sell possessions and give the money to the poor. (yeah, didn't last too long, now my lack of possessions is due to my lack of money) And cycling? Yes. Raw business. This has Daniel Stern and Dennis Quaid. Just the epitome of the outsiders against the cool kids and the whole "what am I gonna do with my life?" theme. I love the biking scenes, especially the classic one of pacing himself against the semi-truck, but I believe the scene above is a better indication of why the movie is so good. It's not really about the sport itself, but how sports have the possibility of raising one up over circumstances, over environment, and higher than those supposedly better than you. It's a way to get back at everyone else who is thought to be better than you or at least how you believe it will do that.
The scene in the college dining hall is great, and of course the little 500 is awesome and emotional. Dave falls off the bike. The others give up except for Moocher, then his effort makes them keep going, and then Dave has his feet taped to the pedals. And they win. And his dad accepts his choice of sport. And the frat boys are beat. Pretty much everything you want.
And the whole Cutters thing is great, the whole class divide idea. I think freshman year I I saw a group of four girls dressed for halloween as the Cutters, bikes and everything. I was super excited, pretty much the best costume ever.
3.) Rocky (1976)
Tagline: His whole life he was a million-to-one shot.
No explanation needed here. Rocky is what all other sports movies are measured against. It even won an oscar for best picture. Wow. Really there's nothing I can say that you don't already know and that is why Rocky is so good. I don't need a video. And the best part?
Rocky lost.
Maybe one of the lesser know films on the list, but I'm very glad to have it this high. My only regret is that I sold my copy to my brother after a brief phase of trying to sell possessions and give the money to the poor. (yeah, didn't last too long, now my lack of possessions is due to my lack of money) And cycling? Yes. Raw business. This has Daniel Stern and Dennis Quaid. Just the epitome of the outsiders against the cool kids and the whole "what am I gonna do with my life?" theme. I love the biking scenes, especially the classic one of pacing himself against the semi-truck, but I believe the scene above is a better indication of why the movie is so good. It's not really about the sport itself, but how sports have the possibility of raising one up over circumstances, over environment, and higher than those supposedly better than you. It's a way to get back at everyone else who is thought to be better than you or at least how you believe it will do that.
The scene in the college dining hall is great, and of course the little 500 is awesome and emotional. Dave falls off the bike. The others give up except for Moocher, then his effort makes them keep going, and then Dave has his feet taped to the pedals. And they win. And his dad accepts his choice of sport. And the frat boys are beat. Pretty much everything you want.
And the whole Cutters thing is great, the whole class divide idea. I think freshman year I I saw a group of four girls dressed for halloween as the Cutters, bikes and everything. I was super excited, pretty much the best costume ever.
3.) Rocky (1976)
Tagline: His whole life he was a million-to-one shot.
No explanation needed here. Rocky is what all other sports movies are measured against. It even won an oscar for best picture. Wow. Really there's nothing I can say that you don't already know and that is why Rocky is so good. I don't need a video. And the best part?
Rocky lost.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Best Sports Movies (Part V)
6.) Field of Dreams (1989)
Tagline: All his life, Ray Kinsella was searching for his dreams. Then one day, his dreams came looking for him.
"If you build it they will come." Probably one of the most famous quotes in movies over the past couple decades, but I like the scene above much better. James Earl Jones aka Terence Mann. Pretty nice. I also love his earlier line, "We got learning disability here?"
Great movie. James Earl Jones, Kevin Costner, Burt Lancaster, Ray Liotta, Gaby Hoffman (what happened to her?) Pretty much everyone comes out better in the end. Dreams do come true. I love Moonlight Graham sacrificing his chance to play ball to save the daughter. I love the brother getting served in the end. Maybe even makes me want to "have a catch".
All the scenes with interchange between Terence and Ray are awesome. Ease his muthafuckin' pain. Oh, and a bonus is the James Earl Jones scene below from Seasme Street. Yes!
5.) Caddyshack (1980)
Tagline: At last, a comedy that bites!
Pretty much one of the funniest movies ever. I really don't have to say much about it. It speaks for itself. The montage is great, plus a Journey song. Gotta love it. Maybe not high enough, but the last four are banging, and I think the gofer gets a little too much play.
Chevy Chase's performance was awesome, by far the best. (See the best scene below.) Here's some more.
Judge Smails: You know you should play with Dr. Bepper and myself. Why he's been the club champion for three years running and I'm no slouch myself.
Ty Webb: Don't sell yourself short Judge, you're a tremendous slouch.
Ty Webb: I like you Betty.
Danny Noonan: It's Danny sir.
Ty: Danny
Ty: Do you take drugs Danny?
Danny: Every day.
Ty: Good. Then what's your problem?
Danny: I don't know.
Ty (singing and playing piano to the Judges hot neice): I was born to love you/ I was born to lick your face/I was born to rub you/ but you were born to rub me first/ ...What do you say we take this out on the patio?
Judge: What did you shoot today?
Ty: Oh, judge, I don't keep score.
Judge: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers?
Ty: By height.
Lacey Underall: My uncle says you got a screw loose.
Ty: Your uncle molests collies.
Ty: Remember Danny- two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left.
Tagline: All his life, Ray Kinsella was searching for his dreams. Then one day, his dreams came looking for him.
"If you build it they will come." Probably one of the most famous quotes in movies over the past couple decades, but I like the scene above much better. James Earl Jones aka Terence Mann. Pretty nice. I also love his earlier line, "We got learning disability here?"
Great movie. James Earl Jones, Kevin Costner, Burt Lancaster, Ray Liotta, Gaby Hoffman (what happened to her?) Pretty much everyone comes out better in the end. Dreams do come true. I love Moonlight Graham sacrificing his chance to play ball to save the daughter. I love the brother getting served in the end. Maybe even makes me want to "have a catch".
All the scenes with interchange between Terence and Ray are awesome. Ease his muthafuckin' pain. Oh, and a bonus is the James Earl Jones scene below from Seasme Street. Yes!
5.) Caddyshack (1980)
Tagline: At last, a comedy that bites!
Pretty much one of the funniest movies ever. I really don't have to say much about it. It speaks for itself. The montage is great, plus a Journey song. Gotta love it. Maybe not high enough, but the last four are banging, and I think the gofer gets a little too much play.
Chevy Chase's performance was awesome, by far the best. (See the best scene below.) Here's some more.
Judge Smails: You know you should play with Dr. Bepper and myself. Why he's been the club champion for three years running and I'm no slouch myself.
Ty Webb: Don't sell yourself short Judge, you're a tremendous slouch.
Ty Webb: I like you Betty.
Danny Noonan: It's Danny sir.
Ty: Danny
Ty: Do you take drugs Danny?
Danny: Every day.
Ty: Good. Then what's your problem?
Danny: I don't know.
Ty (singing and playing piano to the Judges hot neice): I was born to love you/ I was born to lick your face/I was born to rub you/ but you were born to rub me first/ ...What do you say we take this out on the patio?
Judge: What did you shoot today?
Ty: Oh, judge, I don't keep score.
Judge: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers?
Ty: By height.
Lacey Underall: My uncle says you got a screw loose.
Ty: Your uncle molests collies.
Ty: Remember Danny- two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Best Sports Movies (Part IV)
8) Rudy (1993)
Tagline: When people say dreams don't come true, tell them about Rudy.
I like the tagline for this one. Pretty, pretty nice. I'm pretty sure this movie has brought me very near to tears. I used to like Notre Dame, but my appreciation has greatly dropped over the past few years. But nevertheless, I love this movie. What he goes through to play is so great. Man, his friend dies to gives him the fire to try to achieve his dream. He goes to junior college. He sleeps in the janitor's room. (just like Leo in Growing Pains.) He paints the helmets. He makes the practice team. Works his ass off and never gets to play until his final game where he gets a sack on the last play and is carried off the field. Great.
Oh, and I love Roc, the guy who was a great player but didn't work hard then quit the team or something. And the kid who got on the team cause his father was real good. And I think my favorite scene was the one where the huge lineman took it easy on Rudy and didn't block him and Rudy got real pissed saying that this was his way of helping the team and then on the next plays the lineman just leveled him over and over. Oh, and my other favorite scene was when Rudy wasn't on the dress roster for the last game, and all the players go to the coach and lay down their jerseys and tell the coach they want Rudy to dress in their place. Nice.
Oh, and all that Rudy went through to play, all his effort and determination really makes me wish I would've put more effort in and worked harder. "I coulda been somebody." Now I'm just fat and lazy.
P.S. I love Sean Astin's carreer choices: Goonies, Encino Man, Rudy, Lord of the Rings, Meerkat Manor
7.) Raging Bull (1980)
Great Movie. I heard so much about it, though, before seeing it that maybe it was a bit disappointing. Great work by De Niro. Great boxing scenes, but more than that. It showed all that there is to be a huge athlete, or at least attempt to be a huge athlete. Good stuff. Love the black and white.
Tagline: When people say dreams don't come true, tell them about Rudy.
I like the tagline for this one. Pretty, pretty nice. I'm pretty sure this movie has brought me very near to tears. I used to like Notre Dame, but my appreciation has greatly dropped over the past few years. But nevertheless, I love this movie. What he goes through to play is so great. Man, his friend dies to gives him the fire to try to achieve his dream. He goes to junior college. He sleeps in the janitor's room. (just like Leo in Growing Pains.) He paints the helmets. He makes the practice team. Works his ass off and never gets to play until his final game where he gets a sack on the last play and is carried off the field. Great.
Oh, and I love Roc, the guy who was a great player but didn't work hard then quit the team or something. And the kid who got on the team cause his father was real good. And I think my favorite scene was the one where the huge lineman took it easy on Rudy and didn't block him and Rudy got real pissed saying that this was his way of helping the team and then on the next plays the lineman just leveled him over and over. Oh, and my other favorite scene was when Rudy wasn't on the dress roster for the last game, and all the players go to the coach and lay down their jerseys and tell the coach they want Rudy to dress in their place. Nice.
Oh, and all that Rudy went through to play, all his effort and determination really makes me wish I would've put more effort in and worked harder. "I coulda been somebody." Now I'm just fat and lazy.
P.S. I love Sean Astin's carreer choices: Goonies, Encino Man, Rudy, Lord of the Rings, Meerkat Manor
7.) Raging Bull (1980)
Great Movie. I heard so much about it, though, before seeing it that maybe it was a bit disappointing. Great work by De Niro. Great boxing scenes, but more than that. It showed all that there is to be a huge athlete, or at least attempt to be a huge athlete. Good stuff. Love the black and white.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Best Sports Movies (Part III)
10.) Seabiscuit (2003)
Tagline: A long shot becomes a legend.
Another great movie. It had it all. Maybe too much. You got the rich owner (Jeff Bridges) who has his son die and is pretty much depressed until this horse comes along. You got the mysterious "horse-whisperer" (Chris Cooper). You got the jockey (Toby Maguire) who not only is hard working, never give up figure, but also has a physical handicap. And you got the horse itself who everyone has given up on and can't race and can't tame. And you got the rich guys new young happy-go-lucky-don't-stop believin' wife and William H. Macy. Wow. Loaded. And the best part is the Depression back drop and the fact that Seabiscuit actually gave hope to the common people. That's why I included the historical footage clip. Pretty cool.
9.) Remember the Titans (2000)
Tagline: They came together when their classmates and loved ones would not.
A pretty lame tagline I must admit, but a great film. Again a movie that has it all, but this time it all fits together perfectly and does not overwhelm. You got the high sports theme and the racism theme. When put together.....golden. You got the racist small town hating on the new coach Denzel. You got the racist player getting kicked off the team. You back the backup, hippie California quarterback having to come in after an injury to the starter. You got one guy switching from offense to defense. You got the racist girlfriend. You got the racist administration. You got the two captains- one black, one white, one offense, one defense- bringing their team together and becoming friends. You got the muddy games, the cold games, the close games, the little used players stepping up. You got the star player getting into a major car accident after win getting them to state. You got the community and the team coming together in the end winning with the injured guy listening in the hospital. And on top of it all, it is all told in flashback years later at the funeral of the injured Ray.
PLUS you have a young Hayden Panettiere as the high school football loving daughter of the assistant coach. This girl LOVES the shit out of some high-school football. If you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about. She's like 10, but knows everything about the team. Hilarious. I would have mentioned it whether she grew up to be a pretty banging 18 year old Hero or not.
Yeah, this movie has got pretty much everything. And after watching it, everyone really will Remember the Titans.
Tagline: A long shot becomes a legend.
Another great movie. It had it all. Maybe too much. You got the rich owner (Jeff Bridges) who has his son die and is pretty much depressed until this horse comes along. You got the mysterious "horse-whisperer" (Chris Cooper). You got the jockey (Toby Maguire) who not only is hard working, never give up figure, but also has a physical handicap. And you got the horse itself who everyone has given up on and can't race and can't tame. And you got the rich guys new young happy-go-lucky-don't-stop believin' wife and William H. Macy. Wow. Loaded. And the best part is the Depression back drop and the fact that Seabiscuit actually gave hope to the common people. That's why I included the historical footage clip. Pretty cool.
9.) Remember the Titans (2000)
Tagline: They came together when their classmates and loved ones would not.
A pretty lame tagline I must admit, but a great film. Again a movie that has it all, but this time it all fits together perfectly and does not overwhelm. You got the high sports theme and the racism theme. When put together.....golden. You got the racist small town hating on the new coach Denzel. You got the racist player getting kicked off the team. You back the backup, hippie California quarterback having to come in after an injury to the starter. You got one guy switching from offense to defense. You got the racist girlfriend. You got the racist administration. You got the two captains- one black, one white, one offense, one defense- bringing their team together and becoming friends. You got the muddy games, the cold games, the close games, the little used players stepping up. You got the star player getting into a major car accident after win getting them to state. You got the community and the team coming together in the end winning with the injured guy listening in the hospital. And on top of it all, it is all told in flashback years later at the funeral of the injured Ray.
PLUS you have a young Hayden Panettiere as the high school football loving daughter of the assistant coach. This girl LOVES the shit out of some high-school football. If you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about. She's like 10, but knows everything about the team. Hilarious. I would have mentioned it whether she grew up to be a pretty banging 18 year old Hero or not.
Yeah, this movie has got pretty much everything. And after watching it, everyone really will Remember the Titans.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Best Sports Movies (Part II)
Alright, here's the continuation of the countdown. Sorry about that crazy font in yesterday's post that got progressively larger. Don't know what was up with that.
Back to the countdown.
13. Chariots of Fire (1981)
Tagline: This is the story of two men who run...not to run...but to prove something to the world. They will sacrifice anything to achieve their goals...Except their honor.
Pretty much a classice again and you can't think of it without the Vangelis song in the background. Oh, and the story is great too with the whole Jew/Christian dynamic and the not selling out for your sport. Pretty nice. Another one I want to see again.
12. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Tagline: Beyond his silence, there is a past. Beyond her dreams, there is a feeling. Beyond hope, there is memory. Beyond their journey, there is love.
Awesome movie- winner of best picture, best director, best actress and best supporting actor. I think I saw this on a plane home from England after reading an SI article about it in the airport on my way to England. Really shows incredible determination and guts from Maggie and has the old, cynical, grizzled coach in Clint Eastwood. It is a chance for redemdtion for both, to right wrongs for Eastwood and make something of herself for Maggie. The scenes with her family were absolutely disgusting. Man. Oh, I did see Hilary Shwank in an issue of Esquire (this time purchased in an airport on my way back from Philly- travel really facilitates sports movies, I guess) and she is pretty hot.
An amazingly powerful movie. But also the most depressing movie I have ever seen.
11. Mean Machine (2001)
Tagline: Not your usual suspects
Probably the least recognized film on the list, but I had to put in a soccer movie. Think The Longest Yard, but British. Vinnie Jones does a great job. All the soccer is hilarious, and the whole guards vs. inmates works well, but the center piece of the film is the character just called Monk played by Jason Statham and in the video below. He is totally crazy, or an absolute nutter, as they would say in England. REALLY FUNNY. I suggest you check it out.
I pretty much had to have a soccer movie this high as it is by far my favorite sport. The Big Green was quite up to the snuff to make the list.
Back to the countdown.
13. Chariots of Fire (1981)
Tagline: This is the story of two men who run...not to run...but to prove something to the world. They will sacrifice anything to achieve their goals...Except their honor.
Pretty much a classice again and you can't think of it without the Vangelis song in the background. Oh, and the story is great too with the whole Jew/Christian dynamic and the not selling out for your sport. Pretty nice. Another one I want to see again.
12. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Tagline: Beyond his silence, there is a past. Beyond her dreams, there is a feeling. Beyond hope, there is memory. Beyond their journey, there is love.
Awesome movie- winner of best picture, best director, best actress and best supporting actor. I think I saw this on a plane home from England after reading an SI article about it in the airport on my way to England. Really shows incredible determination and guts from Maggie and has the old, cynical, grizzled coach in Clint Eastwood. It is a chance for redemdtion for both, to right wrongs for Eastwood and make something of herself for Maggie. The scenes with her family were absolutely disgusting. Man. Oh, I did see Hilary Shwank in an issue of Esquire (this time purchased in an airport on my way back from Philly- travel really facilitates sports movies, I guess) and she is pretty hot.
An amazingly powerful movie. But also the most depressing movie I have ever seen.
11. Mean Machine (2001)
Tagline: Not your usual suspects
Probably the least recognized film on the list, but I had to put in a soccer movie. Think The Longest Yard, but British. Vinnie Jones does a great job. All the soccer is hilarious, and the whole guards vs. inmates works well, but the center piece of the film is the character just called Monk played by Jason Statham and in the video below. He is totally crazy, or an absolute nutter, as they would say in England. REALLY FUNNY. I suggest you check it out.
I pretty much had to have a soccer movie this high as it is by far my favorite sport. The Big Green was quite up to the snuff to make the list.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Best Sports Movies (Part I)
I've decided to create a countdown list of the best sports movies ever, well, maybe a better title would be My Top 20 Sports Movies, because this is pretty much just a list of the sports movies I like best. Some will coincide with critics picks, some will be movies only I like.
Also, I will have to have seen the entire unedited version of the film, so movies like North Dallas Forty, Requim, Bang the Drum Slowly, The Natural, Bull Durham, Pride of the Yankees and newer ones like Glory Road, We are Marshall, Invincible- will not be on the list. I think that's enough explanation. So without further ado, here are the Top 20 Sports Movies of All-Time (according to Tony Brown.)
Honorable Mention: Searching For Bobby Fisher, The Air Up There, The Sandlot, Happy Gilmore, Cool Runnings "Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Ride, Get on down, It's Bobsled time!", Over the Top- it's all about turning the hat backwards, Fever Pitch (soccer one), Best in Show- maybe not sports, but real funny, Wild Hearts Can't be Broken- horse-jumping-into-a- small-pool-of- water is a sport!- this was a channel 24 Saturday afternoon favorite, Mighty Ducks, Bend it Like Beckham- I admit I liked it, Air Bud: World Pup, Air Bud:Seventh Inning Fetch, Air Bud: Golden Receiver, Air Bud: Spikes Back, Bring it On- I like cheerleaders, Spellbound- maybe not a sport by definition, but intense as hell- has the preperation, training, competion, nervousness- maybe I'm saying that because of my Quiz Bowl background- but a great film, You Got Served- no explanation necessary
20. The Cutting Edge (1992)
Tagline: The King of the Rink is about to meet America's Ice Queen
A tender way to start the countdown. Figure Skating? Yes. And I know the Christina Aguilera song in the video doesn't help. But a solid film. Funny at times. DB Sweeny is a good fit and Moira Kelly is just hot enough to overlook the bitchiness of her character and understand the connection of the two- great chemistry. And when they nail the triple Pamchenko, I was pretty excited.
I understand there is a Cutting Edge 2, with the story of the daughter the two have. I might have to check it out.
Okay, now that the romantic comedy is out of the way on to...
19. Rounders (1998)
Tagline: You've got to play the hand you're dealt.
I really debated about putting this on the list, but with characters like Eddie KGB and Grandma, how could I exclude it?
I think this movie was one of the key componets of the blow-up in the popularity in poker over the last few years, especially Hold 'em.
I was really pissed when Worm caused them to get the shit kicked out of them. Good ending.
18. White Men Can't Jump (1992)
Tagline: It ain't easy being this good.
A nice one for all us white kids out there. We can hoop. And wear ridiculous outfits while doing so. I think this was the first ever rated R movie I saw in the theatre.
The scene where Billy first beats Sidney is great and so too are all the scenes where they hustle other people, especially when the dude brings a gun out and the Jeopardy is great too.
The ending, where he finally dunks is a bit corny, but you allow it.
Oh, and Billy Hoyle, what a great white boy name!
17. Rocky IV (1985)
Tagline: He's facing the ultimate challenge. And fighting for his life.
I think this one is pretty self-explainatory, easily the 2nd best Rocky movie.
Apollo Creed Dies
USA vs. USSR
Ivan Drago
Rocky is too old and could be killed
And the traing montage, priceless- embedded into my mind as a little child.
And in end, the Commie Soviets cheers for all the courage and heart displayed by Rocky. Yes!
And great soundtrack too- Survivor, James Brown, Kenny Loggins- my college roommate used to listen to it before tests to get hype.
16. The Hurricane (1999)
Tagline: His greatest fight was for justice
I believe out of all the films on this list, this has the least amount of actual sport action, less than five minutes I'd say. Most of it is during the opening credits.
Nevertheless, it is a very inspirational film, but the inspiration is drawn from the inner strength of the character and not is outer action in sports. But Denzel is pretty ripped in this movie.
Reuben Carter shows incredible perseverence while in prison. Also shows the racism both in sports and the justice system. Oh, and the great Bob Dylan song.
15. Hoop Dreams (1994)
Absoluntely the ultimate sports documentary. The story of two poor Chicago youth- William Gates and Arthur Agee- with the basketball skills to hopefully move them to something better.
We see them both mature greatly during the film and see their "dreams" change and grow as well. Shows all the pressure that having talent brings and all the hopes and dreams not only of your own, but all those around you. I haven't seen this movie for a long time, but now want to see it again. Probably even more relevent today with players going to the NBA straight from high school, not all successful, and so much hype surrounding high school sports.
14. Major League (1989)
Tagline: When these three oddballs try to play hardball, the result is totally screwball.
Pretty much a classic. Got to love Bob Uecker. Got to love Jobu and Willie Mays Hayes, Pedro Cerrano, Wild Thing. A greatly funny movie. Plus the whole loser turn around thing and the pennant chase. And the greedy owner. Oh, and it was filmed at Milwaukee County Stadium, where I watched many-a-game.
"Up your butt Jobu."
"Hey bartender, I think Jobu needs a refill."
"Let's cut the crap Vaughn. I only got one thing to say to you: Strike this mother fucker out."
Major League II, not bad. Major League 3, horrible.
Check back tomorrow for movies 13-9
Also, I will have to have seen the entire unedited version of the film, so movies like North Dallas Forty, Requim, Bang the Drum Slowly, The Natural, Bull Durham, Pride of the Yankees and newer ones like Glory Road, We are Marshall, Invincible- will not be on the list. I think that's enough explanation. So without further ado, here are the Top 20 Sports Movies of All-Time (according to Tony Brown.)
Honorable Mention: Searching For Bobby Fisher, The Air Up There, The Sandlot, Happy Gilmore, Cool Runnings "Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Ride, Get on down, It's Bobsled time!", Over the Top- it's all about turning the hat backwards, Fever Pitch (soccer one), Best in Show- maybe not sports, but real funny, Wild Hearts Can't be Broken- horse-jumping-into-a- small-pool-of- water is a sport!- this was a channel 24 Saturday afternoon favorite, Mighty Ducks, Bend it Like Beckham- I admit I liked it, Air Bud: World Pup, Air Bud:Seventh Inning Fetch, Air Bud: Golden Receiver, Air Bud: Spikes Back, Bring it On- I like cheerleaders, Spellbound- maybe not a sport by definition, but intense as hell- has the preperation, training, competion, nervousness- maybe I'm saying that because of my Quiz Bowl background- but a great film, You Got Served- no explanation necessary
20. The Cutting Edge (1992)
Tagline: The King of the Rink is about to meet America's Ice Queen
A tender way to start the countdown. Figure Skating? Yes. And I know the Christina Aguilera song in the video doesn't help. But a solid film. Funny at times. DB Sweeny is a good fit and Moira Kelly is just hot enough to overlook the bitchiness of her character and understand the connection of the two- great chemistry. And when they nail the triple Pamchenko, I was pretty excited.
I understand there is a Cutting Edge 2, with the story of the daughter the two have. I might have to check it out.
Okay, now that the romantic comedy is out of the way on to...
19. Rounders (1998)
Tagline: You've got to play the hand you're dealt.
I really debated about putting this on the list, but with characters like Eddie KGB and Grandma, how could I exclude it?
I think this movie was one of the key componets of the blow-up in the popularity in poker over the last few years, especially Hold 'em.
I was really pissed when Worm caused them to get the shit kicked out of them. Good ending.
18. White Men Can't Jump (1992)
Tagline: It ain't easy being this good.
A nice one for all us white kids out there. We can hoop. And wear ridiculous outfits while doing so. I think this was the first ever rated R movie I saw in the theatre.
The scene where Billy first beats Sidney is great and so too are all the scenes where they hustle other people, especially when the dude brings a gun out and the Jeopardy is great too.
The ending, where he finally dunks is a bit corny, but you allow it.
Oh, and Billy Hoyle, what a great white boy name!
17. Rocky IV (1985)
Tagline: He's facing the ultimate challenge. And fighting for his life.
I think this one is pretty self-explainatory, easily the 2nd best Rocky movie.
Apollo Creed Dies
USA vs. USSR
Ivan Drago
Rocky is too old and could be killed
And the traing montage, priceless- embedded into my mind as a little child.
And in end, the Commie Soviets cheers for all the courage and heart displayed by Rocky. Yes!
And great soundtrack too- Survivor, James Brown, Kenny Loggins- my college roommate used to listen to it before tests to get hype.
16. The Hurricane (1999)
Tagline: His greatest fight was for justice
I believe out of all the films on this list, this has the least amount of actual sport action, less than five minutes I'd say. Most of it is during the opening credits.
Nevertheless, it is a very inspirational film, but the inspiration is drawn from the inner strength of the character and not is outer action in sports. But Denzel is pretty ripped in this movie.
Reuben Carter shows incredible perseverence while in prison. Also shows the racism both in sports and the justice system. Oh, and the great Bob Dylan song.
15. Hoop Dreams (1994)
Absoluntely the ultimate sports documentary. The story of two poor Chicago youth- William Gates and Arthur Agee- with the basketball skills to hopefully move them to something better.
We see them both mature greatly during the film and see their "dreams" change and grow as well. Shows all the pressure that having talent brings and all the hopes and dreams not only of your own, but all those around you. I haven't seen this movie for a long time, but now want to see it again. Probably even more relevent today with players going to the NBA straight from high school, not all successful, and so much hype surrounding high school sports.
14. Major League (1989)
Tagline: When these three oddballs try to play hardball, the result is totally screwball.
Pretty much a classic. Got to love Bob Uecker. Got to love Jobu and Willie Mays Hayes, Pedro Cerrano, Wild Thing. A greatly funny movie. Plus the whole loser turn around thing and the pennant chase. And the greedy owner. Oh, and it was filmed at Milwaukee County Stadium, where I watched many-a-game.
"Up your butt Jobu."
"Hey bartender, I think Jobu needs a refill."
"Let's cut the crap Vaughn. I only got one thing to say to you: Strike this mother fucker out."
Major League II, not bad. Major League 3, horrible.
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