Review of A League of Their Own (1992) by Ryan L — 24 May 2010

I have seen very few movies that bring more pure enjoyment to the audience than this hit of the early 90's. Unique, fun and inspiring, A League of Their Own hits high notes on almost all it looks to accomplish.

Focusing on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the movie follows the trials and tribulations of its players. The league itself was founded to temporarily replace men's baseball, which due to the need for soldiers in WWII was stripped of its rosters. This idea of a woman's baseball league that started out so radical and almost universally mocked at, turns out to be more exciting than anyone could have first imagined.

Though the league itself remains factual, the accounts of the teams and players in this film are fiction. This was a bit of a let down for me personally considering how animated and colorful the characters are. The casting director for this one deserves personal accolades on assembling a team that, throughout the film, consistently compliment and play off each other effortlessly.

The two leads are driven by Lori Petty and Geena Davis. They are sisters who are recruited to the league in its inaugural year, and ultimately end up on the same team as each other. At first this disguises itself as a blessing, but turns out later to tear at the bonds of sisterhood through jealousy and circumstance. This remains the heart of the plot that the script revolves around. Comic relief is supplied by Tom Hanks who fills the roll as their manager; A has been baseball great and avid drinker who is given one last chance to make a name for himself by helping guide his ladies on their quest to become respected players. Madonna and Rosie O' Donald are also on deck to keep this ship sailing all the way to port.

The only criticism that comes to mind is its predictability. Any trained eye will remain one step ahead of any surprises it may have hoped to offer, but the manner in which they are delivered counteract any lasting disappointment. And I have little doubt that after a giving it a viewing for yourself that you'll find that I had to dig a bit to turn up a flaw.

It's balance between light hearted charm and moving story line is hard to resist. Take it for what it is and you shouldn't be disappointed.

Rating: 8 out of 10.