Leatherheads
Play ball.
Finally opening this weekend after a big marketing push, "Leatherheads" ended up not being that great. More time is spent getting to the bottom of John Krasinski’s character’s exaggerated past than on professional football’s humble beginnings. What could have been a taut, comedic classic is in reality a drawn out affair that squanders its vibrant cast’s talents.

Having seen a slightly worse crash-and-burn from Will Ferrell’s "Semi-Pro" last month, I’ve been pondering what makes for a successful sports movie. The formula of an unlikely coach taking a team from chumps to champs has proven itself over and again, but it doesn’t leave room for many surprises; of course the underdogs are going to win. Even if they don’t, they’ll come so darn close that their near victory will fully warrant an ice cream after the game.

The particular sport portrayed in a movie has a lot to do with its appeal, and baseball has unquestionably had the most screen time over the years. Of course this has a lot to do with America’s nostalgic attachment to the game, but there are also so many truly great baseball movies that the odds seem stacked in its favor. I think it’s because baseball itself is intrinsically cinematic.

With other team sports, offensive plays are made through a group effort. However, in baseball, one batter stands alone facing numerous opponents. (S)he succeeds or fails based on individual abilities. Sure, teammates come into play as the bases are occupied, but the runners are each responsible for making it to home plate. Players thus take turns being the protagonist, each with their own set of mental, physical, and emotional obstacles that manifest themselves in the batter’s box. And no matter how they perform, they have to face their team in the dugout after their turn is over.

Then there’s the drama of the pitcher delivering the goods time and again, always under the stresses of aging, injury, and being taken out of the game if unable to measure up. Thousands of miles of film have illustrated this struggle.

Finally, that whole "national pastime" thing makes baseball movies relatable to so many Americans. From little league to playing catch with Pop to revelling in the overpriced delights of the ball park, there are numerous triggers moviemakers can tickle to inspire a connection with their audiences.

So if you just have to make a sports movie, but you recognize you’re not exactly Spielberg, set it on the diamond. It could mean the difference between "Bull Durham" and, well, "Leatherheads."