The Bad News Bears

The Bad News Bears (1976) starring Walter Matthau, Tatum O'Neal, Vic Morrow, Joyce Van Patten, Jackie Earle Haley. Losing Little League team the Bears are taken over by Coach Buttermaker (Matthau), who brings in a ringer named Amanda (O'Neal) to pitch. He also brings in a ringer named Kelly (Haley) to play center field and hit, and the team actually makes it to the playoffs. There is no feel-good ending, however, and the team stays true to its basic character. The movie makes good use of musical themes from Bizet's Carmen. The script could use some work, but it's an entertaining and off-kilter sports film which is certainly worth seeing. (Subtitles in English are available on the disc.) Grade: B