Friday, April 16, 2010
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Friday, April 16, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW
The Perfect Game
In '57 These Little Leaguers
Were Giants Among Men
Clifton Collins Jr. as Cesar Faz and two younger members of the cast in William
Dear's "The Perfect Game", which opened today across the U.S. and Canada. Prelude
Pictures
By
Omar P.L. Moore/PopcornReel.com
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Friday, April 16, 2010
The Monterrey Industrials. If you've never heard of them or their story,
then "The Perfect Game" is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with these
legendary Little Leaguers. Released today across the U.S. and Canada, just
a day after the 63rd anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the barrier of
racism in America's major leagues of baseball, William Dear's film more than
adequately tells this little-known story in American sports history.
It was 1957 and the Industrials were scrapping their way to the top of Little
League baseball in Mexico and on to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where they
became Little League World Champions, thanks to the game pitched perfectly by
Angel Macias. He allowed no hits, runs, walks or errors. Which means
no one from the opposing team ever reached first base in any of the nine innings
in which they batted. It is a feat that hasn't ever been duplicated in
Little League World Series history.
While W. William Winokur scripts this story well enough, the film is tarnished
by bad editing, which isn't difficult to discern while watching "The Perfect
Game", which had its share of production nightmares. It isn't difficult to
tell what is shot on a studio lot and what isn't. Even though some of the
background atmospherics are distracting, the heart of a true story about love,
perseverance, courage and victory in the face of racism, poverty and language
barriers is otherwise undiluted.
The actors central to this warm, triumphant sports drama rise to its grand
occasion, with Clifton Collins Jr. leading the way as Cesar Faz, the demanding
coach who shapes the team and keeps them disciplined. Cheech Marin has a
small but valuable role as Padre Esteban, a composite of the real Mexican priest
who guided the team and had a great sense of humor doing so. Jake T.
Austin displays charisma and intelligence in this enjoyable and entertaining
David-vs. Goliath sports story.
"The Perfect Game" is for children to enjoy and cherish, but adults will be won
over by its appeal and sensibilities as well.
With: Patricia Manterola, Louis Gossett Jr., David Koechner, Emilie De Ravin,
Bruce McGill, Jansen Panettiere, Ryan Ochoa, Moises Arias.
"The Perfect Game" is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association Of America for
thematic elements. The film's running time is one hour and
53 minutes.
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Read more movie reviews and stories from Omar
here.
Read Omar's "Far-Flung Correspondent" reports for America's pre-eminent Film
Critic Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun-Times -
here
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