Review of Balls Out (2014) by Jordan M — 18 Jun 2015
An epic laugh fest that leaves everything on the field! This movie is at once a scathing satire and endearing spoof of the sports movie genre that wears its heart and references on its sleeve even as it punches you in the taint and runs away.
It's a difficult tonal balance to maintain and there are moments where it starts to wobble, but it never falls and never fumbles (see? Metaphor!). Some of the plot mechanics feel a little contrived (the relationship between Lacy and McKinnon, for instance).
..but even that more often than not feels like a meta commentary on the genre, and is perpetually saved by the hilarity and charisma of the performances (the relationship between Lacy and McKinnon, for instance!).
It embraces its low stakes narrative and absurd circumstances (from horse opera to magic tricks) with a wink and a shrug that says "we know, but come with us anyway." With comedic talent mined from the likes of SNL and online sketch geniuses BriTANick and Good Neighbor, you'll be glad you did!
This review of Balls Out (2014) was written by Jordan M on 18 Jun 2015.
Balls Out has generally received mixed reviews.
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