The Bad News Bears

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Wayne K I’ve always loved a cinematic curmudgeon, and while Walter Mattheu in The Bad News Bears might not be the funniest or most entertaining I’ve seen, he’s definitely one of the most heartfelt. The film manages to avoid many of the cliches of the sports genres, partly because many of them weren’t as ingrained then as they were now, to the point that I had no idea which way it would go. Would the team win the grand final, giving Mattheu the redemption he’s been seeking, or would they lose on the field, but win the much-needed respect off of it. Even if you’re not a Baseball fan, which I’m certainly not, you can still understand and follow the story, since it doesn’t lean too heavily into any incomprehensible jargon or complicated plotting that necessitates an understanding of the game itself. It’s the child actors that help to give it heart and soul. They’re cheeky, impetuous, abrasive, profane and petty, but that’s what kids are often like, and the fights and conflicts they have are ones we can all relate to. Tatum O’Neal and Jackie Earle Haley are the standouts among them, with a tough façade that belies a deep-seated need for success and affirmation. It has the odd plotline that goes nowhere, most notably the one about the titular team getting cut from the league which just… gets forgotten about until the end, but the film knows what the audience has come to see and is keen to focus on that. By being simple, honest and down to earth, the story slowly works its way under your skin, and whether or not you like the Bad News Bears to begin with, when the last game rolls round, you’ll find it impossible not to root for them. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review Christian K A classically templated sports movie with great performances. Its funny that even when Buttermaker realizes he needs to be a better coach for the players, he continues to drink and smoke in the dugout while doing so. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/03/25 Full Review Audience Member A comedy about the worst baseball team becoming the best bad influence. Director Michael Ritchie and the late Walter Matthau and Tatum O' Neal. Morris is an ex-baseball minor league player who spends his day drinking. His lawyer-councilman Bob recommends he coaches a boys team. It's all out of spite against the league who denies his son to play given how talented he is. These boys are inexperienced and stink on the field. Morris' last attempt is to have a girl Amanda join the team to up their winning streak. But the rest of them are against the idea. Plus they both have rough past with Morris briefly dating her mother then one day he took off. These kids are bad news indeed with the bad attitudes, bad language, and crummy play antics. True this movie is a product of the time; with all the racial and homophobic slurs. Not to mention the violence inflicted on several characters. But give credit it started some familiar tropes in this genre. Even a terrible team can come together. It blends heart, comedy, and wicked satire. Matthau's performance stands out even if his character is less than sympathetic. The kids manage to keep up too with all the cynicism involved and the precociousness to win or play by the book. Just make sure to skip the remake! Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/08/24 Full Review Brent A 10% rating ... I did not care for this film. I didn't think it was very funny and the storyline felt dull. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 11/20/23 Full Review Jp T One of the Best movies ever made !!! 70s and 80s Rule!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/23/23 Full Review Charles M My favorite baseball movie ever. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Bad News Bears

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