Worthwhile and enthralling; maybe not a grand slam but a triple off the wall

Rating: 8/10 (1 July 2011)

This movie was on AMC this morning. At the time it played in theaters, most critics called it dull and predictable, but as a baseball fan and a fan of good movies, "For Love of the Game" should get credit for emotional performances from Kevin Costner and Kelly Preston and an engaging, well-structured storyline.
A movie that combines baseball and romance has two strikes against it before it steps up into the batter's box because there have been so many middling or downright poor baseball movies made. "For Love of the Game" stands out because it is about love, sacrifice and commitment first and baseball second.
The relationship between Billy and Jane is believable. During a flashback she goes to a game to see him and sits with all the player's wives. When one of them asks her "Who are you with?" and she tells them, a few of them snicker to themselves, one remarking "Blond of the week." And Jane tells Billy later that she doesn't want to be a groupie. Billy works hard to convince her that he really loves her.
The baseball action is 95% accurate and realistic, including the scene where an outfielder takes one off the head and it goes into the stands (and how he atones later). Congratulations to the producers on coaxing Vin Scully into doing the play-by-play, though purists may scratch their heads and say "Huh? He's a Dodger's announcer." The angles for the action look great, as well as the gorgeous emerald checkerboard field.
To be nit-picky, some of Kevin Costner's pitches looked like lob jobs that would get crushed by even an A league rookie. Mostly, through deft editing and camera work though, he looked like a major league pitcher. And it would have been nice to have had a few more shots of him in his home whites pitching in grand old Tiger's Stadium (which was still standing when the movie was made).
In all, "Game" is a worthwhile movie that might wring a tear or two with its emotional story and all the excellent acting. Supporting players John C. Reilly (as a personal catcher) and Jena Malone as Jane's daughter stand out also.