Review of Eight Men Out (1988) by Reel And U — 25 Jun 2013

As someone who did plenty of school reports on the 1919 Chicago Black Sox Scandal, Eight Men Out (based on the book by the same name) is historically accurate and is a must see for any baseball fan. Although it might not be ideal for someone who doesn't like baseball, or sports for that matter, the story is engaging, fresh, and intriguing for it being a true story. With famous actors such as John Cusack, Charlie Sheen, D. B. Sweeney, David Strathairn, Christopher Lloyd and John Mahoney, what would be looked at as a near documentary can be watched easier as a featured film. The acting is done well, the time period is constructed nicely and the fact that it is about a conspiracy just adds another layer that doesn't make you yawn. Be prepared however because there are A LOT of names, characters and ball players in this movie, so it will call for careful attention to keep everything straight. I know plenty of people have never heard of the Black Sox, and neither had I until my uncle gave me the book as a young teenager. I have always enjoyed watching this film and anyone who enjoys the history of baseball should see this.

8/10 Stars - Sure it's not a blockbuster, but it's well made, true, and about a conspiracy in baseball history that I spent my youth researching.