A real gem

Rating: Null/10 (26 April 2000)

This film is an endearing look at a baseball player who might be pitching his last game after 19 years with the same team.
After such films as "Bull Durham" and "Field Of Dreams" baseball seems to follow Kevin Costner as he returns to the diamond once again in "For Love Of The Game."
I enjoyed this film immensely not only because Costner is my favorite actor, but because he brings firey attitude to his character Billy Chapel. Costner is known for this as he brings it to every film he has been in.

Sam Raimi brings a fresh attitude and look to the silver screen as the director of this movie. Raimi did a brilliant job unveiling the sequences as he did as the plot surrounded one game with flashbacks to Billy's on again, off again romance with Jane, played by the beautiful Kelly Preston.
In addition, John C. Reilly who played Gus Sinski was a pleasant addition and surprise as he brought an excellent balance of calm and support to Billy.
The best thing about this film was the monologue Billy carries with himself throughout on the mound.
The only complaint I may have about this film would be the length; I think some scenes could have been edited out or cut down a little because the film shouldn't have lasted as long as it did.
It was an excellent for what it was, which is a sweet, lighted hearted romantic drama.