'Field of Dreams' part of American culture
by: Joe Romienicki
I've laughed at a lot of movies, but only one makes me cry: Field of Dreams.
The story of Ray Kinsella and his magical baseball field is far more than just a tale about baseball. It's about family, personal accomplishment, reparation, faith and how all of these intertwine with our national pastime.
With the serene landscape of Iowa cornfields as a backdrop, Field of Dreams is one of those rare films in which the visual translation of a piece of literature actually makes it stronger. Often books-turned-movies fall flat, but Field of Dreams more than does justice to WP Kinsella's Shoeless Joe.
Perhaps what makes Field of Dreams so powerful, however, is its indelible images and scenes. Baseball players disappearing into rows of corn and a voice that whispers, If you build it
he will come are now a permanent part of American pop culture.
Baseball fans quote Terrence Mann's speech - perfectly delivered by James Earl Jones - like the Bible: The one constant through all the years Ray
has been baseball.... This field
this game
is a part of our past
Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good
and could be again.
And any son who has played catch with his father knows the simple beauty of Ray meeting his father in the final scene.
Every movie about baseball is a good one, but Field of Dreams is most definitely the best. And besides, Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster and Ray Liotta provide a far more respectable cast than Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes and Corben Bernsen.
'Major League' loaded with classic personalities
by: Matt Bixenstine
Anyone who's ever heard the phrase There's no crying in baseball knows better. A sappy drama like Field of Dreams has no place in America's pastime.
You see, baseball is a wacky game. There can be a 400-foot out one batter and a base-hit dribbler to the mound the next. It's only fitting that a comedy like Major League be the best baseball movie.
It's the story of a sorry Cleveland Indians franchise in danger of relocating to Miami. Behind a couple has-beens and a bunch of never-will-bes
this team of screwballs goes on an improbable run to the playoffs.
What make this movie an instant classic are its personalities. Washed-up catcher Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger), misfit pitcher Rick Wild Thing Vaughn (Charlie Sheen) and unappreciated centerfielder Willie Mays Hayes (Wesley Snipes) all are unforgettable. Bob Uecker also shines as Harry Doyle, the Indians alcoholic sportscaster.
Intertwine this with a love story, some clubhouse tension and the toppling of the Yankees, and the outcome is more than a few hilarious scenes.
Yes, the ending is predictable in that, of course, the Indians win. But rather than doing so with a home run, Taylor turns to one of baseball's forgotten gems - the squeeze bunt.
Now I know what you're thinking: I must be biased. This I can't deny, but Major League can be enjoyed by Tribe fans and haters alike. Its introduction bashes Cleveland and its baseball team.
Both Major League and Field of Dreams were released in 1989 and run 107 minutes. That, however, is where the comparison ends.
Aside from lacking even one laughter-inducing moment, Field of Dreams is also far-fetched. I'm supposed to believe a group of baseball players emerge from a cornfield?
Still think Field of Dreams is better? If you believe it, you are dumb.
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