Customer Reviews

Fastpitch [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree with the excerpted review comments from the New York Times, "Intelligent, insightful, touching," which are printed on the cover of the VHS box.

Filmmaker Jeremy Spear respects the viewer enough to include many complexities of his subject matter. For example, the gross and tacky elements in the character of Peter Porcelli, the financier of the sport's highest paid team, are obvious. Yet beyond Porcelli's inflated self opinion, Spear also shows that the man has admirable qualities: that he cares for his family, yearns for camaraderie with his players, and is devoted to revitalizing and promoting the game. Several other characters also are shown to be multifaceted, which is refreshing to see.

Beyond the subject matter of sport, some interesting themes surface in the film, such as changing demographics within the United States. The economic decline of Midwestern farming communities mirrors the decline in popularity of the game in places such as Ashland, Ohio, from where much of the documentary footage is taken. As legendary Eddie Feigner recalls, just one generation ago, every small town in the US had a fastpitch softball team. Now, most Americans have never even seen a game of men's amateur fastpitch. This fact can be linked to the general decline of local community, as American people grow up watching professional baseball on national television, rather than experiencing a comparable game live in the fields of their own hometowns. Also, the sudden emergence of the Smokers (a team assembled and financed by a junk mail tycoon from the city of Tampa Bay) is no surprise, for American life has become increasingly dominated by corporate businesses.

Most of the heartwarming aspects of this film originate from the ways in which people from disparate backgrounds can play with and compete against each other, with understanding and respect. Through the vehicle of fastpitch softball, characters from different nations and ethnicities come together. Such universally human themes in this movie make it worthwhile, even to viewers who have little interest in sports.

I truly liked the story told by the filmmaker.

Unlike a lot of sappy Hollywood sports movies or network TV programs, this movie goes into the depth of real human characters, who must face both victory and defeat, integrity and compromise.

The sport itself is quite interesting, and I would not have known about it except for this film.

This film is technically a documentary, but watching it has all of the drama and human interest of the very best fiction. Told in the first person, the filmmaker and narrator of the film manages, with astonishing skill, to avoid the traps of first person non-fiction. Although he has a likable ability to poke fun at himself, he walks a skillful tightrope, avoiding both self-aggrandizement and self-deprecation. He allows us to use him as our faithful guide, and is consistently and refreshingly clear that the film is not about him; it is about fastpitch softball and the people who play it. Of course, the film is also about love, and friendship, and spirituality, and cultural diversity; but mainly it is about a game that -- for men at least -- may be in serious danger of dying out.

Technically, the movie is both simple and sophisticated. The music is powerful, and masterfully sets an emotional context for each scene. Most of all, however, you will love the writing. The narration is as good as writing gets, and weaves a story around the unplanned dialogue of the all-too-real characters. As a morality play, this film will of course disappoint; because it is real, the good guys don't always win the championship. On the other hand, they will win your heart, and you will be very glad you met them.

It is often difficult for men to explain why they love things, and fastpitch softball is no exception. But love it they do, just as you will love this terrific film. Although he describes himself as a slap hitter, Director Jeremy Spears, for once in his life, has knocked this one clear out of the park.

Jeremy Spear's journey into the world of fastpitch softball at the relatively old age of 35 would probably have been interesting enough on its own, but in documenting his first season, he also gives us a great deal more. The movie paints a compassionate portrait of small-town life in the U.S., and Jeremy's travels lead him to cross paths with teams comprised of New Zealanders, Native Americans, Canadians, and a somewhat obnoxious (but not all bad) junk-mail king from Tampa Bay. He also discovers his own familial connection to the Midwest.

Everyone in the film shares a passion for the impressively difficult game of fast-pitch softball - and if you've ever wondered, it really is harder to hit in this game than in baseball. Fastpitch by all accounts is a dying sport. The film captures Jeremy's 1996 season, and one is left wondering what's happened since. Nonetheless, it's a wonderful, warm film that everyone will enjoy, whether or not they're a sports fan.

The Story of baseball retold and played with heart by the working players and fans who love the game and who are trying against the odds to keep the fire going.