You know all those films you rent when no one else is around? Cinematic guilty pleasures that are just as good as hogging that pint of Ben & Jerry’s all to yourself?
It took me awhile to figure out my guilty pleasures. Taking film classes, I was always conscious of what movies I said I enjoyed, because of course your taste in film would be judged mercilessly by those who only watch obscure foreign films or golden age classics. It can be a tough crowd.
So how could I admit that I found joy in sports movies? Those awesomely formulaic flicks that have underdog teams who win the big game last minute (usually in slow motion) while being led by a hard nosed coach or reluctant team captain, whose words of wisdom in the locker room bring tears to your eyes while simultaneously making you a little nauseous.
In addition there is almost always a sidelining love story that sends a girl (or boy) running down to the field/court to sweep the winner off their feet amongst a crowd of cheering fans. Total brain candy.
Here are five cheesy sports pics that make me smile:
Bring It On (2000) - Cheerleaders Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku and Gabrielle Union compete to be champions. This film spawned too many remakes of snotty girls in short skirts, challenging each other to “bring it!”
The Replacements (2000) – Keanu Reeves leads a football team of misfits (because they are always misfits) to win big games during a pro football strike. There are fights, strippers, bad music. It’s great.
A League of Their Own (1992) – Geena Davis and Lori Petty play sisters who join the first professional women’s baseball league. It has Madonna, a constantly drunk Tom Hanks, and plenty of heart tugging girly moments.
Gridiron Gang (2006) – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson leads a team of juvenile criminals. They start a football team to build self-esteem. Moments are had. The jailbird boys learn heart wrenching lessons. Yup. I have seen it more than once. I will stand up and admit it!
The Mighty Ducks (1992) – Emilio Estevez is forced into community service and is given the joke team of pee-wee hockey. They learn sweet skating skills, how to flock together, and there are numerous jokes about getting hit with pucks. I love this movie!