Synopsis:
A terminally ill baseball player (Robert De Niro) is supported in staying on his team by his unwaveringly loyal friend, Henry (Michael Moriarty).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Baseball
• Friendship
• Illness
• Michael Moriarty Films
• Robert De Niro Films

Response to Peary’s Review:
When discussing what he refers to as his “favorite baseball film,” Peary notes that screenwriter Mark Harris’s story (based on his 1956 novel) is “sensitively directed by John Hancock” and centers on “how people come through for those in trouble (the same theme as Terms of Endearment).” He writes that the “picture makes you feel good about people but, at the same time, sad that we so rarely show our altruistic side.” He argues “it has wit, creates nostalgia for a more innocent baseball era,” and “also tugs at your emotions [and] breaks your heart.” He concludes by noting that “the two leads, then relatively unknown, give exciting performances” — though “at the time [he] thought Moriarty would be the one to go on to superstardom” rather than De Niro.

Unfortunately, I can’t agree with Peary’s praise of this film; I’m more in alignment with Andrew Sarris, who in his review for The Village Voice noted that it’s highly effective at bringing on emotions (the closing baseball game is a tear-jerker) but otherwise too simplistic in its presentation. I’m guessing this one may mean a lot more to those who enjoyed the novel. Nominated as one of the Best Pictures of the Year in Peary’s Alternate Oscars.

Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:

• Michael Moriarty as Henry
  
• The lump-inducing final baseball sequence
  

Must See?
No, but it’s recommended for one-time viewing if you’re curious.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• Spinning Image Review
• TCM Article
• Village Voice Review