Perhaps because the 1970's gave birth to many of the greatest American films of all time, it's easy to overlook such a quiet treasure as Michael Ritchie's 1976 offering, "The Bad News Bears." A perennially underrated and overlooked classic, "The Bad News Bears" nevertheless showcases all that is best in 70's film making: a witty and relevant screenplay (here by Bill Lancaster), a host of fully fleshed-out characters, an honest eye (and a finely-tuned ear) for detail, a judicious use of score (Bizet's "Carmen" is particularly well employed), considered (and considerable) attention to atmosphere (with John Alonzo's cinematography perfect in it's sun-drenched suburban ease), consistently fine performances all around--in short, all of the ingredients that serve to transform competent entertainment into something approaching cinematic art.
The "Bad News Bears" is, in fact, the west coast's version of "Rocky," though critics have rarely considered the two films side by side--the result of differences in genre rather than in sentiment, most likely. Still, the two films clearly intersect (call it variations on a theme); and while the lazy afternoon sunshine of California's North Valley here replaces the gritty and bleak Philadelphia streets brought so vividly to life by Stallone/Avildsen (and John Crabe's gorgeous urban cinematography), "The Bad News Bears"--though a "comedy"--is no less serious a film as its east coast contemporary, winner of the 1976 Best Picture Oscar.
Layered performances by Walter Matthau, Vic Morrow, Ben Piazza, and Joyce Van Patten--as well as standout work by the kids, most notably Tatum O'Neal, Jackie Earle Haley, Alfred Lutter, Quinn Smith, Brandon Cruz, and Chris Barnes (as the unforgettable Tanner Boyle)--make this a must see At once a brilliant social satire, a tale of redemption, and a lovingly honest ode to the young boys (and girls) of summer, it's unlikely a film like this could be made today...
In a decade of remarkable American films, this small gem stands out as one of the best (if most overlooked) of the lot--high praise indeed. If for no other reason than to experience the hush of the crowd that accompanies Joey Turner's departure from the mound, watch this movie.
The "Bad News Bears" is, in fact, the west coast's version of "Rocky," though critics have rarely considered the two films side by side--the result of differences in genre rather than in sentiment, most likely. Still, the two films clearly intersect (call it variations on a theme); and while the lazy afternoon sunshine of California's North Valley here replaces the gritty and bleak Philadelphia streets brought so vividly to life by Stallone/Avildsen (and John Crabe's gorgeous urban cinematography), "The Bad News Bears"--though a "comedy"--is no less serious a film as its east coast contemporary, winner of the 1976 Best Picture Oscar.
Layered performances by Walter Matthau, Vic Morrow, Ben Piazza, and Joyce Van Patten--as well as standout work by the kids, most notably Tatum O'Neal, Jackie Earle Haley, Alfred Lutter, Quinn Smith, Brandon Cruz, and Chris Barnes (as the unforgettable Tanner Boyle)--make this a must see At once a brilliant social satire, a tale of redemption, and a lovingly honest ode to the young boys (and girls) of summer, it's unlikely a film like this could be made today...
In a decade of remarkable American films, this small gem stands out as one of the best (if most overlooked) of the lot--high praise indeed. If for no other reason than to experience the hush of the crowd that accompanies Joey Turner's departure from the mound, watch this movie.