Review of 61* (2001) by Talon B — 12 Jun 2008
Billy Crystal's loving portrait of two sports legends does more than simply deliver one of the best baseball movies since Sam Wood's Pride Of The Yankees, it serves as a reminder as to what the national past-time once was (warts and all) and a sly critique of what it has become.
Pepper and Jane as Maris and Mantle flesh out the former athletic glories so well that it's almost painful, and at the very least embarrassing, when compared to real footage of steroid-brimming Mark Maguire defeating Maris' record.
A perfect supporting cast along with Crystal's nostalgic treatment of the subject and care behind the camera create a balance that celebrates the accomplishments of America's sporting past without drenching it in too much sepia or leaving the seats too sticky with peanuts and Cracker Jack.
This review of 61* (2001) was written by Talon B on 12 Jun 2008.
61* has generally received very positive reviews.
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