For Love of the Game . Tucson Weekly . 09-27-99

For Love of the Game

DIRECTED BY: Sam Raimi

REVIEWED: 09-27-99

Maybe I've seen so many inept movies recently that I'm now impressed with any film that has an okay story and decent characters; or maybe it's because the concept of true love is as alien and intriguing to me as a world conquered by intelligent monkeys--but I have to admit that this mainstream, feel-good romance is all right. Through numerous flashbacks, it shows us the sad, sputtering relationship between an aging baseball legend (Kevin Costner) and an apprehensive single mother (Kelly Preston). Even though it uses a lot of standard clichés (the injury that leads to a spiritual transformation; the miraculous sports-related triumph over destiny), there's enough character development and solid acting that I could buy into it. Special mention should go to casting director Lynn Kressel, who shepherds some great supporting and cameo roles from John C. Reilly (the curly-haired doofus from Boogie Nights), J.K. Simmons (as the ultra-low-key team manager), and that freaky-looking kid from Gummo. I'm not saying you need to see this movie; but if you do, at least you won't leave the theater feeling like a dupe of the Hollywood turd merchants.

--Greg Petix

Full Length Reviews
For Love of the Game
For Love of the Game
For Love of the Game

Capsule Reviews
For Love of the Game

Other Films by Sam Raimi
A Simple Plan
Hercules: The Legendary Journey (tv)
The Quick and the Dead

Film Vault Suggested Links
Cousin Bette
The Castle
Ready to Wear

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