Producer review
Dislikes first viewing; mixed tone; pro-sports movies harder; too long
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:39:49Read transcript
- Craig dislikes the film on first viewing, finding no inherited nostalgic charm and an unresolved split between broad comedy and serious sports drama. He argues Hackman is miscast and the film should have committed to slapstick; Remember the Titans and The Sandlot provide stronger values and coming-of-age stories.
- Craig tentatively argues that professional-sports films fare worse because older characters and business concerns displace coming-of-age themes. Major League and Slap Shot are counterexamples, with baseball treated as a possible exception.
- Eddie is compared with this era's silly sports movies, Celtic Pride is rejected, and the two-hour runtime is judged excessive; the hosts joke that Craig may eventually be worn down by repeat cable viewing.