The Perfect Game (2009)

"They weigh 35 pounds less and are about 6 inches shorter, but in every other way they are like the American kids." The unbelievable true story about a little league team from Mexico with dreams of playing in the little league world series. The movie starts with Cesar (Collins Jr.) being realeased from the St. Louis Cardinals and moving back to Mexico. A group of kids who love baseball recruit him to be thier coach. When they are finally approved to get a official little league team thier journey begins. This is a fantastic movie. While I'm sure liberties were taken, this is a movie so unbelievable that it if weren't true it would be way too cheesy to be good. As it is though, this movie is a little hokey in some parts, but the fact that it's true makes it OK. For those that know the story behind this it will be very enjoyable to you. For those that don't I won't give anything away but do yourself a favor and watch this movie. Overall, a very touching baseball movie that is good for the whole family. A real like "Sandlot". I really like it, but I also am a sucker for sports movies. I give it an A-.

Would I watch again? I think I would

If ever there was a movie that showcased the difference between "Based on a True Story" and actual reality, William Dear's "The Perfect Game" would stand as a prime example. While a serviceable entertainment that is completely expected and thoroughly non-challenging, the film doesn't feel the least bit authentic. Yes, it has heart. Yes, it aims to be a crowd pleaser. Yes, apparently many people love it. This genial and unassuming movie is family friendly and its deficiencies are easy to overlook--especially by younger viewers. What's not to love? Utilizing every established underdog cliche from every routine sports story, the film hits all the beats necessary to be comfortable and safe. Kids may well love it. But it takes a fantastic, and almost epic true story, and drains the realness out of history to become a lightweight comedic fable.

The movie chronicles the formation of a misfit Little League team in Monterrey Mexico. In 1957, this motley crew crossed the border, challenged much larger and more experienced teams, and ascended to the Little League World Series. It was the first time an International team qualified for the World Series and the only time in history a perfect game was pitched during this competition. It is an absolutely stunning story! Had it been played straight, this might have made a powerful biographical narrative. These kids challenged all expectations and restrictions to be world champions. In real life, they came from an existence of poverty and hardship and faced bitter prejudice and overt racism. Don't worry, though, in "The Perfect Game" these are minor issues and mild lessons to be learned.

The boys are remarkably precocious and modern. Their sass and attitudes reflect current sensibilities, but have little to do with the actual time period of 1957 or their culture. The coach (a nice Clifton Collins Jr.) is saddled with a strained comedic side plot--his attempts at romance are remarkably inept. The boys are certainly wise and witty on the subject of wooing the ladies. Nothing in Monterrey feels remotely real in its tone. Any unpleasantness (such as the aforementioned racism) is slight and easily solvable--or, at least, not worth revisiting in this feel-good saga. I didn't hate "The Perfect Game." As a work of fiction, it's a pleasing enough concoction. But the true and incredible story is done a disservice by this superficial portrait. Predictable and enjoyable--but lacking in genuine authenticity--I know I'm in the minority. I just wanted to experience the real story of triumph and not just another exercise in underdog cliche. KGHarris, 7/11.

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I bought this movie for my son. My daughter and I enjoyed the movie just as much as he did, great movie to watch with the family!

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We have four kids and thought we had seen all of the family sports movies out there, this is a good movie and kid friendly. The movie does touch on racism, but in a way that makes it easy to discuss with the kids. A nice underdog story. We enjoyed watching the movie as a family.

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My boys play baseball therefore

Love baseball movies this is one of their favorites behind The Sandlot. I also enjoyed this movie :)

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