Angels In The Outfield

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 15, 1994

DVD Release Date: April 23, 2002

Plot 411: Two foster kids who love baseball cause a sensation when one of them begins seeing angels.

Review: A young Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Roger, a boy who wishes on a star for the California Angels to win a penant, because this is when his deadbeat dad told him they'll become a family again. When Roger begins to see real angels like Al (Christopher Lloyd) helping the team, he informs their coach George Knox (Danny Glover). Whenever Roger sees an angel, he tells Knox. Against his better judgment, Knox does what Roger says and the team begins to win games. Can they win enough games to reunite father and son? You never know . . . because angels are always watching. This is a good family dramedy from the '90s that deals with some serious issues like the fostercare system and faith. Gordon-Levitt does a good job at playing the down-but-never-out Roger, who, despite life's circumstances, still believes in goodness. With a child-like innocence, he creates a fervor in the entire Angels team. Soon the team, who is down in the dumps, begins to have faith in each other and develops a will to succeed. Led by Mel, an ailing pitcher (Tony Danza), the team is soon better than ever. The film includes some now-famous actors like Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey. Why don't they make movies like this these days?

Watch It: For a throwback to times when good old fashion family sports movies were all the rage in Hollywood.

Skip It: If The Sandlot, Rookie Of The Year and all the other baseball films of the '90s seem to be playing the same song.

The Sandlot

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: April 7, 1993

DVD Release Date: January 29, 2002

Plot 411: The new kid on the block spends his summer bonding with the kids from the sandlot and "the beast."

Review: "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” This is clearly a legend of a coming-of-age movie in my book. Bookish Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry) moves to L.A. with his mom (Karen Allen) and stepdad (Denis Leary). In an effort to make friends, he follows some boys to a dirt field affectionately called "the sandlot." Here, he is taught the great game of baseball by the local kids and is taken under the wing of Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), who is the best player in their neighborhood. However, when an over-the-fence homerun knocks a ball signed by Babe Ruth into the domain of "the beast," the boys must find a way to recover it despite their fear of the ferocious dog. Not only does this movie have it all (comedy, drama, intrigue and wholesomeness), it is especially good at relating to kids. All the little details that are so important when you're 10 or 12 years old is important in this movie. The idea of losing a baseball over the fence feels immense. Getting a kiss from a pretty girl is a life or death situation. A day can seem like a year when it's summer and you have all your friends with you. This movie captures this feeling of childhood innocence and enthusiasm like no movie of its kind. Everything is there in this film, including inspirational themes like realizing your dreams and overcoming your fears. And yet, in its purest form, this is just a movie about a summer of baseball. Genius.

Watch It: For a good amount of childhood fun and adventure that will have you reliving your own summer adventures.

Skip It: If maybe hockey is your thing and you'd prefer Mighty Ducks. I think that movie is good in its own right but it's no Sandlot. There's something about the '60s that just makes you think baseball and apple pie.

Rookie Of The Year

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 7, 1993

DVD Release Date: January 29, 2002

Plot 411: When his broken arm heals with tendons that are too tight, a boy gets his chance to pitch fast balls in the big leagues.

Review: This is a great underdog story about a clumsy boy who loves the Cubs and his chance love for baseball. Henry, played by Thomas Ian Nicholas, isn't exactly the best athlete on his Little League team, but when his broken arm miraculously heals allowing him to throw baseballs at over 100 miles per hour his dreams come true. This ability helps him sign on with the struggling Chicago Cubs team - first as a PR trick, then as a real player. The movie also stars Gary Busey as a veteran pitcher who grudgingly takes Henry under his wing. It's amazing to see him in this movie and compare it with his appearances on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. It's like watching two completely different people. Bringing some comedy to the movie is Daniel Stern, who also directs this film, as the Cub's pitching coach. The plot is unique and well done, making you root for the little guy. It's inspirational message applies to everyone in their quest to follow and live out their dreams. With the exception of The Sandlot, I think this was one of the best sports movies of the early 1990s.

Watch It: If you're a Little Leaguer with big dreams for some motivation and inspiration.

Skip It: If your idea of a sports movie is more like Varsity Blues.