#i should get an olympic gold medal in gymnastics for the mental hoops i go through

[t3ooc]

“I’d bite myself and take my feelings out with my teeth.”

[fiftytwotwenty]

Movie Monday - July 27th, 2020

"Best Sports Film"

A Showdown:

In Honor of the MLB (finally) starting their regular season last Thursday (July 23rd) and with the NBA gearing up for their season this Thursday, July 30th, I thought it be a great chance to reflect on the Best Sports Film of All Time.

When it comes to Sports whether it's in Real Life or on Film - Each comes with its own Fanbase but none is treated equal.

You can't evenly compare a Knockout Haymaker to a Steady Tap of a Put. So how can one compare ever sports film ever made to one another?

Well, I simply pitted every specific sports film against other sports films within their same category. Once I had the Best of the Best from One Sport I then weighed them amongst other Top Contenders in different sports.

I excluded Documentaries as hardly anything can beat a Sporta Doc (sorry Senna, Pulling John, and Hoop Dreams), but I did accept Bio-Pics and stories based on True Events.

Another Disclaimer: Due to Tumblr's photo limit I am only recognizing the Top 9 (sorry Football/Soccer, Cheerleading and Arm Wrestling)

So...

Who will come out on Top as the Best Sports Film:

#9: The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)

Yes, Shia LaBeouf and Disney top Caddy Shack and Tin Cup as the Best Golf Film of All Time as it actually focuses on the heart of the game.

This Story based on True Events is a great inspiration of following dreams and a lesson of not letting anyone dictate your life.

In my book it's probably some of Shia's best work.

#8: STICK IT (2006)

You have to give Stick It its props. The film is fun, engaging, and lighthearted fun shown upon female gymnastics.

Watching a movie like Stick It makes you wonder why Disney has not made any gymnastic bio-pic yet - there is tons of history they can roll with - Highly recommend they look to Kerri Strug and 1996 Olympic Run.

#7: Remember the Titans (2000)

It's funny how American Football is regarded as the Most Popular Sport in the U.S. but it's extremely difficult to find a great American Football Movie.

Think about it? There are not a whole lot of Football movies out there but they do NOT have the same watchability factor like Baseball Films such ad The Sandlot, Bull Durham, or Major League.

That's where we find Remember the Titans. A good film - watchable, especially for a middle school team bonding - but just not enough to hold up against the rest.

#6: White Men Can't Jump (1992)

Basketball Films, like American Football Movies, are kind out there in limbo.

The best stories are usually told through Docs, but White Men Can't Jump Story stands above the rest as it illustrates one of my favorite faucets about 80s/90s B-Ball...

Trash Talk.

A flick thats shows the High Stakes of One-on-One Basketball with a Witty Perspective.

#5: Warrior (2011)

Move over Karate Kid - Warrior takes the Prize for Best Martial Arts/MMA film... Body Mass Alone, Bro!

In all seriousness, Warrior is a great film which choreographs multiple intense bouts along with excellent in and out if the cage performances from Hardy, Edgerton, and Nick Nolte.

#4: Miracle

Disney is back in the line-up with Miracle.

A True Story recapturing events which led the U.S. to a Gold Medal over the Russia.

A movie that doesn't have the giggle factor of Might Ducks or Slap Shot, but definitely gets you jacked for Hockey.

#3: Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Hey, everybody we got an Oscar Nominee on our hands!

I never in my wildest dream thought a racing movie would be this high up on the list and not include Days of Thunder or Rush.

Prior to viewing I thought Ford v Ferrari would be the next quentessential dad film, but it flew past my expectations.

The Writing, Editing, and Acting are just like Matt Damon's face Post Mole Removal... Smooth

#2: A League of Their Own (1992)

I might get a lot of sh*t about this choice, but I am prepared to defend my choice until my last breathe.

A League of Their Own, a movie about Female Ball Players, is the BEST Baseball Movie of All Time.

Again, Baseball Movies are some of the Most Rewatchable Films period. There are dozens of notable films to choose from

Why A League of Their Own?

They all have great Characters, Stories, and Quotes, but for me it comes down to making my selection I have to go with the film that displays more Love for the game.

The Sandlot gets tied up in a Babe Ruth Baseball Rescue Mission, Field of Dreams is a Ghost Story, Bull Durham is a Love Story, and Major League can be too far fetched at times.

A League of Their Own is purely focused on the Sport of Baseball based on True Events - in the midst of war time people were itching for normalcy and droves of women came together to deliver Americas past time.

Amazing acting from Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Lori Petty, Rosie O'Donnell, and Madonna who provide warmth, levity, and humor to their roles.

Finally...

We come to our #1 Sports Film...

The Best of the Best...

#1 Creed (2015):

If Boxing Movies were a Personification of a Man they be the Dark, Mysterious, Brooding Bad Boy with piercing grey eyes that you wish you could Tame.

You just can't look away.

Boxing films go beyond Knuckle Sandwiches as they capture the Psyche of Fighter - a bout within the boxer.

With Raging Bull, Cinderella Man, The Fighter, and the Rocky Franchise all preceding Creed it's interesting to see it on top.

But too me, Creed took all the great things from its predecessors and built a fantastic film.

The Best Cinematography, The Best Choreography, The Best Build Up. Coogler (director), Jordan and Stallone should be proud of there work.

The Best Sports Film?

YES!

Creed (like most boxing films) inspire.

Not only did Creed illustrate the love of the sport but also his character's drive and determination to make one's self the best.

Watching this film in theatres I got so jacked I literally jumped out of my seat with fists pumped .

The mentality displayed in Creed can easily translate into other people's lives and serve as role model. An instant classic that which provides that little push when you need inspiration.