Director: Penny Marshall
Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Madonna
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors are as beloved as Tom Hanks. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1980’s, Hanks has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s political leaders, troubled soldiers or corrupt managers, Hanks has portrayed a wide variety of characters. Arguably, Hanks’ finest strength as an actor has always been his likability. He is one of those actors which has always had a talent for creating characters which are likeable. Through ability to portray characters which prove compelling, Hanks has established a legacy that’s lasting. Known as America’s Sweetheart, Hanks has created movies that audiences consider art. Despite reaching age of retirement, Hanks has never lost his passion for making engaging entertainment. Throughout his commemorated career, Hanks has started in many memorable movies which are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Hanks and admire all the films he has made in his career. However, “A League of Their Own” is definitely his most underrated movie. Released in 1992, Penny Marshall’s movie offered a powerful portrait of baseball. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and excellent acting, it’s one of the greatest baseball movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who embodies a demanding manager of a famous baseball team. Ultimately, what makes “A League of their Own” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most baseball movies. It tackles bold themes that everyone would truly relate to. A breathtaking baseball classic, there are many reasons why “A League of Their Own” is worth watching.
Set during WWII, “A League of Their Own” tells the story of a baseball manager in a league of his own. Tom Hanks embodies Jimmy Dugan, a strong manager of a bold female baseball team. Jimmy has always had a strong dedication towards his job of taking care of his team. However, Jimmy’s life drastically changes when he’s given a task of caring for a new team in pressure. Faced with a dilemma, Jimmy questions if it’s possible to care for a team that faces trauma in America. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Jimmy wonders whether it’s possible for him to become a successful baseball manager.
Penny Marshall has always been fascinated with coming of age stories. Her iconic movie “Big” offered a strong portrait of boys which seek to become big. With “A League of Their Own”, however, Marshall made her first ever baseball drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture baseball teams enduring adversity but she succeeded tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Marshall captured a baseball manager that seeks to care for a feminist team. Emulating John G. Avildsen’s “Rocky”, Marshall effectively uses montages to capture Rocky hardship which baseball teams are facing. For instance, the montages elevate baseball teams training scene. During this heartfelt scene, Jimmy seeks to train with his female led baseball team. Using montages, Marshall creates a bold portrait of baseball that’s compelling. Montages are complex techniques to use in films. As Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” suggested, montages elevate World War II movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Marshall captures tensions that baseball players are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “A League of Their Own” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best baseball movies you will ever see. Emulating Phil Alden Robinspn’s “Field of Dreams”, Marshall effectively uses costumes to capture tensions that baseball players are facing. Throughout the movie, Jimmy’s clothes demonstrate his powerful authority as baseball team’s manager. For instance, the baseball clothes enhance the team making introduction scene. During this heartfelt scene, Jimmy introduces himself to his female baseball team in the locker room. Through breathtaking costumes, Marshall crafts a portrait of baseball that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Hans Zimmer’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing the burdens baseball players bear. Using captivating production, Marshall creates a compelling portrait of a baseball competition.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “A League of Their Own” is a baseball movie that’s engaging. The film is extremely well-written, and uses dramatic monologues to capture tensions baseball managers which run competitive teams are facing. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull”, Marshall effectively uses monologues to capture the tensions that athletes with a short temper are facing. For instance, the monologues enhance the crying in baseball argument scene. During this iconic scene, Jimmy has a tense argument with his female players when he observes them crying in baseball. Through monologues, Marshal creates an engrossing portrait of baseball audiences can relate to. Monologues are tricky to use. As Jonathan Demme’s “Philadelphia” did prove clearly, monologues elevate movies about the AIDS crisis. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Marshall captures the games baseball players play.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Tom Hanks delivers one of his best career performances as Jimmy. Hanks earned appreciation for playing rebellious teens in coming of age movies. With “A League of Their Own”, however, he took on his most comedic role. It isn’t easy to play a grumpy baseball coach that treats his players with cruelty but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentments of a baseball manager facing tensions. It’s a strong performance from one of the most beloved actors that’s working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Tom Hanks, the supporting cast is great deserving great recognition. Helen Hunt is heartfelt. Geena Davis is great, capturing the adventurous personality of a baseball player seeking to excel in a game she has grown to cherish. Madonna is magnificent, bringing charisma to a feminist baseball player seeking to succeed in a game that requires stamina. Lastly, Lori Perry is worthy of recognition. As a fierce female baseball player, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “A League of Their Own” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing baseball teams that are well-known. Unlike most baseball films, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. It tackles strong themes including ambition, teamwork and courage which would resonate absolutely with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of baseball to enjoy it. Therefore, “A League of Their Own” is one of those rare baseball movies that everyone would truly adore.
Fans of Tom Hanks will definitely enjoy “A League of their Own” and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A captivating baseball classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking sports film about baseball managers seeking success in a competition, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor with strong dedication to his craft that has made unforgettable movies throughout his career which are absolutely without a doubt worthy of appreciation.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 