The trouble is Hollywood has had a tendency to make an absolute hash out of a sports film especially when it's not about American football - somehow gridiron makes for good Hollywood films. Yes there have been some classics but there have been plenty of duds.
Anyway, here are my 5 greatest sports films ever -
Probably the best football film ever made - the Blind Side really looks more at one person rather than the whole aspect of the team. Remember the Titans is usually the first name that pops out when it comes to football films. And of course there is Denzel Washington.
Michael Lewis' book is turned into a great tear jerker of a film by Sandra Bullock's star turn as now-Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle, Michael Oher's foster mum. This film looks into Oher's journey from druggie child to the most wanted man in high school football - and a genuine look at how college scouts work.
The documentary of the fearsome West Indian quick four of Holding, Marshall, Croft/Garner and Roberts who struck terror in the eyes of batsmen in the 1970s and 80s. Definitely biased towards Jamaican views but still a fine movie regardless.
The great Brian Clough will forever be remembered for his exploits and success at Nottingham Forest but even the greats did have periods in their careers they'd rather forget. The Damned United focuses on Cloughie's time lifting Derby County from Second Division no-hopers to First Division champions which eventually led to his 44-day tenure at then-giants Leeds United . Absolutely brilliant performance by Michael Sheen and probably the best non-doco sports film ever.
The greatest sports film ever made in my opinion. An eternal tear-jerker about undoubtedly the most charismatic racing driver who ever lived and raced in Formula 1. Yes it's a bit more of a documentary but that's beside the point. Senna is beautifully made and is the finest testament to the sport and the man himself.
And here are 2 of the worst -
Goal!
This trilogy is the worst thing to happen to football. Absolute drivel and soap. Newcastle United did itself more harm than good by being associated with this film.
One of the worst films ever made period. A good thing that Bernie Ecclestone pulled the plug on this film as it would not have been a good look for F1. As it was, Sly Stallone took the script to CART who gleefully accepted as they sought to become the dominant open-wheel league in America. It was the beginning of the end for CART which would merge with IRL 9 years later.
By the way, Moneyball featuring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill comes out soon in New Zealand and is a fascinating look into how the Oakland A's try to use stats to win the World Series. It's another adaptation of Michael Lewis' book like The Blind Slide.
You forgot about 'Rudy' Dave. Anyone who doesn't shed a tear during that movie doesn't have a heart.
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