Major League (Widescreen)

Despite the light tone of the movie, the acting is good for a comedy, featuring younger versions of Renee Russo, Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Dennis Haysbert, and Wesley Snipes, just to name a few. I watch this movie every winter to remind me just what I love about baseball--that anything can happen. A joy to watch over and over again, although the special features are a bit weak on the DVD--all you get are a grainy trailer and some talent files. Then again, it seems that most of my 80's favorites get shortchanged when they go to DVD, so that's nothing new and different. I guess the studios are only interested in spending time and effort on new release blockbusters. Too bad, as this movie definitely deserves a Bull Durham-like re-release on DVD.

Much is made of the fact that the Indians have not won a pennant in over 30 years and nobody expects them to do well. The team is stocked with over the hill players like Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger): a washed up catcher with bad knees who they found playing in the Mexican league, Roger Dorn (Corbin Bernsen): the third baseman who is scared of being hit by the ball; and players that never were stars like Rick Vaughn (Charlie Sheen): a pitcher with no control serving time in prison for stealing a car, and Willie Mays Hayes (Wesley Snipes): the centerfielder with blazing speed but can't hit, and Pedro Cerrano (Dennis Haysbert): a voodoo practicing slugger who can't hit a curveball.

With this misfit team, we go through Spring Training and the regular season. As the season progresses the team starts playing better than the owner had hoped so she keeps taking away essentials like the team plane, the hot tub, hot water, and others. The team plays even better until the whole plot is revealed by the General Manager of the franchise. This gives the Indians the fire they need to be a contender and make a run for the post season (since this might be the only chance these players get).

Major League is an incredibly funny movie and remains one of my favorites. I laugh at all the places I used to and I find the mix of baseball and humor in this movie to be nearly perfect. One thing to note is that there is a lot of swearing in this movie and repeated use of the "F" word, so if that is the sort of thing that bothers you: you have been warned. Otherwise, this is one of the best baseball movie and is a blast to watch and watch again.