Fastball

 This is the perfect movie to give you your MLB second wind. It'll give you that extra spark - just in time for that late, long-shot wild card bid! (Shut up, Cubs fans!!) 2016's documentary Fastball.

Narrated by Kevin Costner, this is about just 1 aspect of the game - or actually, just 1 aspect of 1 of that part. Perhaps the most romantic notion of baseball, the overwhelming fastball, as you may have guessed by the title.

I was more than a little trepidacious going in, just based on the above. But I really enjoyed this!

It's mostly interviews (with tons of visual aids) - from mostly baseball legends and some current studs - of how they pitch, how fast they pitch, how hard it is to face it & try to hit it, plus a little science mixed in for good measure: Nolan Ryan, Goose, Bob Gibson, Verlander, George Brett, Ernie Banks, Tony Gwinn, Al Kaline...

It's historical and factual and you won't mind a bit. It may get dry every once in a while, but overall this is a homerun! A Game winner! Hit off Sandy Koufax!

The Darwin Awards

This isn't a "must see" but it is a cute little comedy nobody else has seen. 2006's The Darwin Awards.

It stars Joseph Fiennes as a former police detective who finds a better-suited calling in the insurance companies, figuring out who's most likely to accidentally off themselves by ludicrous accidents: i.e. who they shouldn't cover. Add Winona Ryder as the agent assigned to assist him. She's the Ying to his Yang.

The bad stuff: Funny subject and premise do not translate into a laugh-out-loud, roar-a-minute romp, sadly.

Also, if you've followed the actual Darwin Awards at all, as I have, there isn't anything new here. Pretty cool that it's based on fact, making it even funnier/more absurd, but I knew the outcomes far in advance.

The good stuff: Like I said already, a cute comedy. Almost a Rom-com at times. Well written & directed by some guy I don't know (Finn Taylor), and well acted.

There is a great reason to rent this if you have the chance: the best duo-cameo ever. I won't spoil it for you. But I re-watched that scene 3 times, laughing!

He Never Died

I'm baa-aaaaack!!

Pardon the long hiatus, unforeseen technical difficulties (laptop dying a sudden, horrific death) ensued, but were recently conquered.

During this lull in computer time I've seen a couple movies worth blogging about. My favorite, by far, is this cheery, visually stunning, family-oriented romp, He Never Died.

Ok, the above description was true only in Opposite World.

This is a stark, violent, drab-looking dark comedy that is not for the squeamish... but still great fun! (If you're into that thing I like to call delightfully dark.)

It was written specifically for Henry Rollins (punk rock legend, spoken-word artist-extraordinaire, sometimes actor & all around great person). And they NAILED it! "They" being both Henry and writer/director Jason Krawczyk!

The plot is easy: Immortal guy shaken from his solitude by a knock on the door.

But it's soooooo much more.

If u have a stomach and a dry sense of humor rent this!! I loved it!!