THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2005 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): * 1/2
THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES is a film so old fashioned that it almost creaks. Said to be about "the greatest upset in World Cup history," the movie's over-dramatized narration speaks only in hyperbole. The movie is about one of the more obscure events in American sports history, but you wouldn't know it by listening to the voice-over. The single game in question is the U.S. soccer team's win in the first game against England in the 1950 World Cup games. The U.S. team was an underdog, but a single win in tournament play does not exactly justify the story's hype.
None of this would be important if the movie could find some compelling characters to show us. Instead, they come up with a ragtag band of just slightly quirky and almost interchangeable characters, none of them the least bit convincing or interesting. One guy named Pee Wee chain smokes cigars and is scared of airplanes. Another is to be about to get married, so he doesn't think he can make the game, which is to take place in Brazil. Another player is lectured by his mother that his embalming school starts soon and that he can't miss school.
Much is made of the fact that the players are all veterans of World War II and that the Korean War is just beginning. Since most of the players are Italian-Americans, there is instant racial strife with the one German-American on the team. But they bond quickly, and everyone welcomes the lone African-American when he is recruited to shore up the team.
With sweeping, inspirational music, without a single subtle note, the movie tells the story. Most of the story it tells, however, happens off of the field, as the various players learn to live with each other in peace and harmony. Only in the long and remarkably mundane big game against England do we ever get to see any extended play. And most of what we see of this contest is just a long series of saves by the American goalie. Snooze.
The film's only genuine surprise? That it was directed by David Anspaugh, who gave us the superb and exhilarating RUDY and HOOSIERS. Oh well, two out of three isn't bad.
THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES runs too long at 1:41. It is rated PG for "some mild language and thematic elements" and would be acceptable for all ages.
The film is playing in nationwide release now in the United States. In the Silicon Valley, it is showing at the AMC theaters, the Century theaters and the Camera Cinemas.
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