For Love of the Game

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Matthew D An incredibly moving and tender that is horribly misunderstood. It should never have been panned. Director Sam Raimi’s romance drama For Love of the Game (1999) is very tender and totally sincere. Raimi’s stylish direction that is normally frenetic is different as he opts to go for a more natural approach. His scenes feel intimate and genuine in tone. It’s beautifully crafted and worthy of respect. Raimi’s earnest direction made me care about the characters’ love story as well as the tension for the perfect no hitter baseball game. I teared up watching For Love of the Game. It did not deserve all the low scores from both critics and audiences alike. It’s a wonderful film that I really enjoyed. Writer Dana Stevens cleverly uses the baseball game to build suspense for a perfectly pitched game as the player recalls his loving marriage with all of its ups and downs. They were not a perfect fit for one another, and were even rude and awful at times, but their love is true. I’m glad that a sentimental and considerate film that’s this low key is among one of Raimi’s most underrated and misunderstood pictures. It’s not all easy answers, but their love forms and their bond develops as they get to know one another. I really appreciate how vulnerable Costner’s character is written, for a more tough guy actor. Kevin Costner is actually very versatile as the tough, yet vulnerable baseball pitcher Billy Chapel, who is coming to the end of his career and marriage. Costner did not deserve to get a Razzie nomination. For Love of the Game is some of his most natural, subtle, complex, and moving acting of his entire career. Costner can be stoic in many of his tough guy roles, so him opening up here feels very refreshing. I’d put his acting here up there with his work in JFK and Dances with Wolves. I enjoyed For Love of the Game even more than Field of Dreams or Bull Durham too, honestly. Kelly Preston is incredible as well as the love interest Jane Aubrey. Her character feels so fleshed out in her conflicted feelings with dating a baseball player in this tumultuous relationship. John C. Reilly is great as the encouraging friend and catcher Gus Sinski. Jena Malone is wonderful as the hurting teenage girl Heather, who seeks a father figure in Costner’s Billy. She’s captivating and very touching as well, especially in her scenes alongside Costner, where he looks very nurturing as her paternal figure. Brian Cox gets a couple powerful scenes as the owner of the Detroit Tigers Gary Wheeler, who is selling the team and lets Costner know he’s getting traded to the Giants. J. K. Simmons is excellent as usual as the stern coach Frank Perry. Vin Scully is announcing the whole baseball game too. Editors Eric L. Beason and Arthur Coburn put together lovely montages of a loving marriage and harsh arguments alongside the thrills of a baseball game. Costner dating Preston on dates, caring for Jena Malone’s daughter character Heather, and remembering his parents at old games are some of the nicest moments in the film. Cinematographer John Bailey’s close-up shots are incredible to see. The vivid and cinematic lighting by Mike Moyer and Kevin Janicelli looks amazing. Composer Basil Poledouris’ gentle film score is gorgeous and really hit my heart hard. Sound designers Ed Novick, Kelly Cabral, Wylie Stateman, Perry Robertson, Randy Kelley, Scott Sanders, Craig S. Jaeger, Hector C. Gika, James Moriana, Jeffrey Wilhoit, Nerses Gezalyan, Greg Zimmerman, Steve Maslow, and Gregg Landaker do impressive work. They both cut out the crowd or ramp up the audience noise as Costner focuses on pitching the ball. It’s a neat effect and well worth mentioning. Costume designer Judianna Makovsky’s outfits look very lifelike to the cozy sweaters and shirts these characters would wear. Overall, Sam Raimi’s For Love of the Game is underrated, moving, romantic, captivating, and beautiful. I wonder if people will ever get this one? Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/01/25 Full Review Rick S It’s a little sappy and drags but something about Vince Scully’s voice keeps pulling is in. On the end, it’s a winner. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/08/25 Full Review A A I have watched this movie nearly a dozen times. It continues to hit the right mark every time. Every now and again movie magic occurs and they got it right here. If you don't feel something watching this movie then your not human. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/25/25 Full Review Russell H Cheesey and pretty entertaining Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/15/25 Full Review Madeline M I can watch Kevin Costner in anything and by happy, but the romantic plot line and way too basic ending scene really sucked the goodness right out of this one for me. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/13/25 Full Review Rene R Simple. A simple guy. A simple dream. A simple movie. What is the need for every movie to be a an epic? The messages are incidental. The romance is what happens in the background and ends up in the forefront. Sometimes I want a to watch be entertained and enjoy a story I understand. This hits and touches all the bases. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/12/25 Full Review Read all reviews

For Love of the Game

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