The Georgia sun continues to beat down on us. Day after day, week after week, the afternoon heat (I don’t care about the humidity or other weather-related terms — it’s too darn hot!) is more like a gorilla than a monkey on my back.
How to contend with the summer sun, which you would think after almost four decades of living in our great state I would be used to it by now, is no easy task. For starters, staying inside is a great strategy. Making sure your air conditioner is in top working order is also a must. A cold drink of your favorite beverage is also a requirement along with your favorite recliner in the recline position.
Finally, what better way to forget the misery outside than with the distraction of a favorite sports related movie in the DVD player. The following are just a sample of some I have enjoyed many times through the years.
There’s something about knowing the lines by heart that make the movie even better.
Here’s a few recommendations in no particular order:
•Rudy: For the underdog in all of us, the real-life story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, whose long-shot dream of playing at Notre Dame in the 70s is realized despite the longest of long odds. Sean Astin does well in the lead role with Ned Beatty also deserving props as Rudy’s father. A five-star movie that gives me chills every time I watch it.
•Major League: Great cast, a ton of one-liners and one of the few comedies that can make its way onto a “best of” list. Bob Uecker shines in his role as the radio announcer for the Cleveland Indians who capture the heart of the city by winning the league title. Solid efforts by Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen and Wesley Snipes as well.
•Rocky: Based on the life of real-life boxer Chuck Wepner, who earned a bout against champion Muhammad Ali, Rocky is similar to Rudy in that it gives hope to the underdog in all of us. Sylvester Stallone broke through in a big time way with this film although I always thought Bergess Meredith had the top performance.
•Friday Night Lights: I’m not one for the TV series, but the movie based on the Odessa, Texas football program and its 1988 season is certainly worth viewing. It signifies perfectly what high school football means to a small town, especially in the South. Like an award-winning photograph, it is a slice of Americana that I have been fortunate to catch glimpses of myself.
•Bad News Bears: This 1976 film about little kids with foul mouths still causes me to smile when I watch it. Having played recreation baseball myself, I appreciate it even more. Make sure you see the uncut version because edited ones take away from the film and the point the director was trying to get across.
•Brian’s Song: The story of the friendship between Chicago Bears players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers will make even the toughest of tough guys teary eyed. Sports often builds strong bonds and this movie, featuring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, shows that perfectly.
These are only a handful of any number of five-star films which would make any hotter-than-hot day go by quicker. It may be time for me to put one of them in tonight in fact.
Chris Bridges is the sports editor of the Barrow Journal. Send comments about this column to cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
