RON SHELTON

Bil’s rating (out of 5):    BBBB.5

USA, 1988.  The Mount Company.  Screenplay by Ron Shelton.  Cinematography by Bobby Byrne.  Produced by Mark Burg, Thom Mount.  Music by Michael Convertino.  Production Design by Armin Ganz.  Costume Design by Louise Frogley.  Film Editing by Robert Leighton, Adam Weiss.  

One of the most enjoyable sports movies ever made is this classic comedy by Ron Shelton.  Susan Sarandon is lethally sexy as a boy-crazy baseball fan who every season picks a member of a minor-league baseball team to ‘sponsor’; her inspirational techniques with men guarantee a red-letter season, and this season she’s decided to take on two players for the price of one.

Kevin Costner is delightfully goofy as a catcher who is recruited from another team to come and help a star pitcher (Tim Robbins) through his difficulties, and the both of them encounter conflict when they both fall for Sarandon’s charms, though Costner convinces himself that he has no interest in her wily ways. Terrific dialogue and Costner’s most likeable performance will win you right over.

The Criterion Collection:  #936

Academy Award Nomination:  Best Original Screenplay

Golden Globe Award Nominations:  Best Actress-Musical/Comedy (Susan Sarandon); Best Original Song (“When A Woman Loves A Man”)