2014 was a pretty big year for the film industry. Movies such as 'Guardians Of The Galaxy', 'The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies', and 'Interstellar' all did extremely well at the box-office, and the late online-only release of 'The Interview' had everybody talking as the year comes to a close.
In terms of sports films, 2014 was not really a year to remember for in terms of quality releases, it will most likely always be remembered as the year that gave us one of the worst movies in the history of the genre, and perhaps film as a whole.
These six sports films have all been watched, some through immense boredom and displeasure, so that we can present to you our gradings of the sports movies released in 2014.
Enjoy.
Next Goal Wins
Next Goal Wins is a documentary centred around American Samoa, branded the worst team in international football. When a Dutch coach from the US Soccer system decides to volunteer in order to bring about some much needed success to the tiny island, we are brought on a really quite enjoyable journey which shows us what football means to the inhabitants of American Samoa, a significant look at a truly unique culture, and a heart-warming story of people who play the sport for all the right reasons. You will catch yourself celebrating moments of triumph as if you were a native of the island.
Grade: B+
An emotional and enjoyable watch.
Draft Day
One of the most exiting films for sports fans coming into 2014 was the promise of a movie that told the story of what really happens in an NFL war room on draft day, featuring real footage from the 2013 NFL draft. Instead, what we got was a two hour bore-fest where absolutely nothing happens, with some truly terrible acting thrown in for good measure. Basically a big advert for the NFL and the Cleveland Browns, the film achieves absolutely nothing and offers no insight to what anyone who would potentially watch it would want to know.
Grade: E
A waste of time.
Million Dollar Arm
Disney make a return to the sports genre with Mad Men's Jon Hamm leading the charge. Think 'Slumdog Millionaire' meets 'Cool Runnings' and you have a general gist of what to expect, although 'Million Dollar Arm' can't claim to be anywhere near the standard of those two films. That isn't to say this movie isn't good, it actually is, but it doesn't quite offer the uplifting feel-good spirit that Disney sports films are known for. The acting is strong, the concept is good, and it's certainly watch-able, where 'Million Dollar Arm' falls a bit short is some bizarre soundtrack choices and the inclusion of a love-interest that doesn't really effect the story in any way but is just there because apparently all movies need a love interest these days.
Grade: C+
Not bad, worth a watch if you're a sucker for Disney rags to riches stories.
When The Game Stands Tall
A movie which had some serious potential, 'When The Game Stands Tall' ended up being a cliche driven let-down. The story of the De La Salle High School football juggernaut who set all kinds of records on an incredible winning streak, 'When The Game Stands Tall' was supposed to show the pressures of expected perfection, and the crushing lows of failing to live up to the demanded standards, but instead comes off as a cheesy, montage heavy bro-down with some "MARINES ARE AWESOME!" moments thrown in for the 'MURICA crowd. The sports scenes are decent and are probably the only redeemable aspect keeping this film at a passing grade.
Grade: D-
Not the worst film ever made, but it's not good. Only watch if desperately craving some high-school football and you've seen Friday Night Lights twice already.
The Battered Bastards of Baseball
It's a Netflix original. Has there been a bad Netflix original yet? 'The Battered Bastards of Baseball' certainly isn't it if there is one. The true story of a bunch of misfits who form a truly independent baseball team to operate without a Major League licence, backed by Hollywood veteran Bing Russell. From open try-outs, a team of truly wonderful characters is formed, and the stories they tell range from wild to ridiculous. More Netflix original sports films in the future please.
Grade: B
Interesting and funny. Perhaps not for those who dislike Baseball, a good watch for anyone else.
United Passions
This movie is absolute poison, and perfectly sums up the deluded bubble that Sepp Blatter lives in. It's so unwatchable that it's actually offensive, and it's basically propaganda. This film is an insult to football fans everywhere.
Grade: NG
Don't even watch it ironically, or to see just how bad it is. Seriously don't even bother.
