Author: Andrew Valdes
When you think about the top sports movies of all time, such films like Rocky, Hoosiers, and Bull Durham immediately come to mind. But what about the lesser-known jock flicks? What about the ones that may have lacked the inspirational and admirable components that the top films hold, but still managed to bring a smile to our faces? These films have found ways to inspire and entertain on another level. We shall take a look at five of the best UNDERRATED sports movies of all time (according to me).
5. Great White Hype, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Damon Waynes and Jeff Goldbum.Sam Jackson is Don King, who creates hype for a title fight between Damon Waynes, who literally puts the term Heavyweight champ to the test by piling on 30 lbs. Watching Waynes’ character blow off his training and undermine his opponent Terry Conklin, while Conklin becomes the face of boxing, is extremely entertaining. However, the big payoff comes once the fight rolls around and the hefty Waynes looks like he has no chance whatsoever to beat his opponent. In the end, Waynes drops him in the 1st round. The movie overall is funny in a very 1990s way, but kind of runs on for a bit; it is saved by its hilarious outcome.
4. Cool Runnings, starring John Candy and four dudes with bad Jamaican accents.”Feel the Rhythm Feel the Rhyme, Come on Now its Bobsled Time.” A childhood favorite for some, Cool Runnings is probably one of my favorite movies to quote. There are just so many to choose from: “Zanka you dead mon,” “I ain’t kissing no egg,” “I see pride, I see power, I see a bad mother who don’t take nothing from no one.” The list goes on. Not only is the movie light-hearted and fun to watch, but it also tackles some serious stereotypes . . . all Swiss people are in fact bobsledding gods who sound like Nazis. Truly a bold and touching statement.
3. Rookie of the Year, starring Gary Busey and that guy from American Pie.Another movie that was awesome when you were 10, but really hard to figure out why. What makes this film stand the test of time is not the story about a kid down on his luck who breaks his arm and somehow is able to throw a baseball 103 mph. It is not even the fact that a 12-yearold kid was able to compete and be successful in the majors (although that scene where he takes one at bat is hilarious). The real highlight of this movie is the fact that Gary Busey is able to pull off the father figure role. Hell, I am surprised anyone at the studio allowed Busey within 50 feet of a minor.
2. Stick It, starring The Dude himself Jeff Bridges and the girl from Waiting.Yes, it is about gymnastics and, yes, it is a goofy female oriented teen comedy, but nonetheless Stick It is a very well done film. While the film has its shortcomings, I find it very entertaining-at least until it gets all Bring it On towards the end. Also the fact that The Dude from The Big Lebowski plays a straight edge gymnastics coach is a major selling point for me.
1. Baseketball, starring Matt Stone and Trey Parker (the creators of South Park).I am not even sure this would classify as a sports movie, but the psyche outs and the infamous scene with the blind kid are worth the hour and a half of mindless plot and crude immature humor. Truly this is a movie that was ahead of its time, and above all, it’s hilarious. The same director of the Naked Gun films helmed Baskteball and the humor is just as entertaining. This film is definitely worth a second go-around. If you have not tried to play baseketball yourself, I highly recommend it-family fun all around.
Honorable Mentions
Alive: Yes, the film is mainly about how a rugby team was forced to survive by eating each other after being stranded due to a plane crash-but hey, why can’t cannibalism be considered a sport when driving a car in circles gets the nod?
Bloodsport: This movie is awesome. Just read the tagline and you’re hooked: “The true story of an American Ninja.” I mean, how could you not love that? Plus, you get Van Damme in his prime and all his jumping spin kick glory.
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