61*
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Movie Reviews of 61*
Movie Review: 61* is simply the best baseball film of all time.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you have been looking for the next great baseball film, then look no more. Supported by a flawless screenplay, incredible baseball action, capable direction, and incredible performances, 61* shows what can be done with a little passion, patience, and attention to detail. The greatest theme in the film is that of the media, and how ignorant sports writers -- who have never played an inning in their lives -- could effect players' lives.
Dealing with subject matter all baseball fans are familiar with, it was essential to craft a character-driven story in order to successfully exploit the most dramatic elements. In 61*, we do not see Mickey Mantle as Superman, nor do we see Maris a shy slugger from Fargo; what we do see is two strong men confronting their fears in the face of immense stress from families, fans, owners, the media, and the ghost of Babe Ruth. And they do this as ONLY Yankees could do.
Movie Review: Great Baseball DVD!!
Summary: 5 Stars
When you watch this fine Billy Crystal film, IT IS 1961 all over again!Billy has poured all his affection for the Yankees [and baseball] into this effort, and the result is a very realistic gaze back in time. This has now become one of my favorite baseball movies!
The extra features are also first-rate on this DVD. The "making of" featurette (50 min.) is dynamite! We follow Billy, cast, and crew during the production of the picture. Very well done! A great moment during the documentary is the clip from 1977, when Crystal gets to meet his idol, Mickey Mantle, during an appearance on the "Dinah" show. Mick, for the second time, signs Billy's original 1956 Yankees' souvenir program.
For anyone who recalls the fabulous Maris/Mantle home-run race of '61, this is a must-see event. Even if you don't remember it, this is well worth viewing.
Movie Review: Excellent Movie--Even for the non-athletic among us.
Summary: 5 Stars
Truth to tell, I know absolutely zero about baseball. The only thing I know is that Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were baseball players from a while ago, and that was it. Despite that, I LOVED this movie. It was interesting to see Maris and Mantle as best friends even though they were very different people and fans were constantly comparing one with the other (with Mantle always coming out on top). The actors who played them did excellent jobs. I could sympathize greatly with the characters. The plot was subtle but very compelling. And I'm glad to hear that Maris finally got the appreciation that was his due, even though it wasn't until after he died. The storyline was universal with no knowledge of baseball required to understand the movie. I would recommend to everyone, even those, who like me, don't know diddly squat about baseball.Movie Review: *61, An Awesome Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Billy Crystal's love of baseball and esp. the New York Yankees is a "labor of love". The character study of Maris & Mantle is top notch, I was an 11 year old girl, who along with everyone else in school, snuck little transistor radios into class, to keep tabs on the homerun race between Mantle & Maris. I never knew all the behind the scenes "stuff" going on, the threats and pressure on Maris and also on Mickey Mantle, he was an American institution, and still is! Billy Crystal was right on the money picking Barry Pepper and Thomas Janes, they BECAME Maris & Mantle, it was almost eerie watching this movie. This is a must if you are a collector of baseball movies, like The Natural, Eight Men Out, etc... it was filmed in the Old Tigers Stadium, but it sure looked and felt like Yankee Stadium to me.
Movie Review: Roger Maris - Reluctant Hero
Summary: 5 Stars
That might be a better title than "61*" if for no other reason than non baseball fans might more easily recognize it for what it is - an outstanding baseball movie.Maris was portrayed as a very good baseball player; the more complete truth was that Maris was a superior ATHLETE who chose baseball over football because he did not care for life on a college campus. He was actually offered a scholarship to Oklahoma, (he still holds the national high school record for kickoff returns for touchdowns in one game) but declined after trying campus life for about a week after his high school graduation.
Above all, Maris was a winner. After he left the Yankees, he finished his career with the Cardinals - played in two World Series with them and won one.
See this if you get the chance, baseball fan or not..