Hello again, everybody. JoBlo.com here bidding you a big Wahoo welcome to Wtf Happened to This Movie?! That’s right, the Cleveland Indians are well on their way to clinching the Al East – which means the 1989 sports comedy Major League is well on its way to becoming a classic of the genre.
But how did Major League reach this status? How did it become one of the most quotable comedies of the decade? How did the cast pull off pitching, swinging and winning like a professional baseball team? How did it go on to represent Cleveland even though it wasn’t even shot there? And why did they have to make those sequels? Well, let’s go juuuuuust a bit outside to find out: Wtf Happened to this Movie?!
You might be surprised to know that Major League comes courtesy of the same guy who won an Oscar for writing The Sting.
But how did Major League reach this status? How did it become one of the most quotable comedies of the decade? How did the cast pull off pitching, swinging and winning like a professional baseball team? How did it go on to represent Cleveland even though it wasn’t even shot there? And why did they have to make those sequels? Well, let’s go juuuuuust a bit outside to find out: Wtf Happened to this Movie?!
You might be surprised to know that Major League comes courtesy of the same guy who won an Oscar for writing The Sting.
- 2/28/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
MLB Network will look back at some of the signature baseball calls from Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Costas in a new The Sounds of Baseball episode debuting Thursday, February 8th at 8 p.m. Et.
Cohosted by MLB Network’s Tom Verducci and Matt Vasgersian, the program will reflect on Costas’ run covering the game, from iconic postseason moments to memorable regular season games.
Awarded the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018, Costas has been on the national baseball stage for more than 40 years. For the 2024 season, Costas is once again set to be the play-by-play voice for several MLB Network Showcase telecasts, a role he started when MLB Network launched 15 years ago in 2009.
“Bob Costas’ name and voice are synonymous with baseball. If you love the game, you will love this special. It is more than an appreciation of the...
Cohosted by MLB Network’s Tom Verducci and Matt Vasgersian, the program will reflect on Costas’ run covering the game, from iconic postseason moments to memorable regular season games.
Awarded the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018, Costas has been on the national baseball stage for more than 40 years. For the 2024 season, Costas is once again set to be the play-by-play voice for several MLB Network Showcase telecasts, a role he started when MLB Network launched 15 years ago in 2009.
“Bob Costas’ name and voice are synonymous with baseball. If you love the game, you will love this special. It is more than an appreciation of the...
- 2/1/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Turnstile have become the face of the Baltimore hardcore scene, and the band got to celebrate its city on Tuesday (August 8th) by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Orioles game.
Ahead of the O’s matchup against the Houston Astros, Turnstile took the mound, with guitarist Pat McCrory making the pitch to The Oriole Bird. In the words of the legendary Bob Uecker, McCrory’s toss was “just a bit outside,” bouncing out of the mascot’s reach in the left-handed batter’s box.
Wild pitch aside, the band looked like they had a ton of fun at Camden Yards, posing with The Oriole Bird and even filming a video segment with O’s field reporter Melanie Newman.
It was also a wholesome moment and some much-needed positive PR for the Orioles, who faced major backlash this past week from the sports broadcasting world.
The franchise suspended...
Ahead of the O’s matchup against the Houston Astros, Turnstile took the mound, with guitarist Pat McCrory making the pitch to The Oriole Bird. In the words of the legendary Bob Uecker, McCrory’s toss was “just a bit outside,” bouncing out of the mascot’s reach in the left-handed batter’s box.
Wild pitch aside, the band looked like they had a ton of fun at Camden Yards, posing with The Oriole Bird and even filming a video segment with O’s field reporter Melanie Newman.
It was also a wholesome moment and some much-needed positive PR for the Orioles, who faced major backlash this past week from the sports broadcasting world.
The franchise suspended...
- 8/9/2023
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Music
Exclusive: Former CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl and Cannonball Productions principals Sean Hanish and Paul Jaconi-Biery have completed principal photography on a documentary series about the famed 1982 Milwaukee Brewers.
Just a Bit Outside: The Story of the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers chronicles the ups-and-downs of an almost championship season. The story is about the love affair between a down-on-its-luck blue collar city, and a perfectly matched blue-collar team — one that continues to this day, 40 years later.
The ’82 Brewers, known affectionately as “Harvey’s Wallbangers,” made it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series, only to lose. But then, in their lowest moment, the city threw the Brewers a parade that rivaled any celebration thrown for a team winning the World Series.
“They say never meet your heroes because they are bound to disappoint. But I can attest, these ballplayers deliver insights, recollections and stories about the magical summer of...
Just a Bit Outside: The Story of the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers chronicles the ups-and-downs of an almost championship season. The story is about the love affair between a down-on-its-luck blue collar city, and a perfectly matched blue-collar team — one that continues to this day, 40 years later.
The ’82 Brewers, known affectionately as “Harvey’s Wallbangers,” made it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series, only to lose. But then, in their lowest moment, the city threw the Brewers a parade that rivaled any celebration thrown for a team winning the World Series.
“They say never meet your heroes because they are bound to disappoint. But I can attest, these ballplayers deliver insights, recollections and stories about the magical summer of...
- 4/11/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Mr. Belvedere was an ABC sitcom that aired from 1985-1990. The series centered around an English butler who takes a job working for an American family in suburban Pittsburgh.
The TV show was based on the 1947 novel Belvedere by Gwen Davenport. The novel was turned into a film in 1948, Sitting Pretty, and its two sequels, Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (1949) and Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell (1951).
The series was never a huge hit but did well enough to last five seasons.
What was ‘Mr. Belvedere’ about?
1of2: Calling all Mr. Belvedere fans: My tv fam was set to travel east this month to take part in a meet and greet event. We did one earlier this year in L.A. It was great and v humbling to meet so many people who enjoyed our show. pic.twitter.com/Sp2ISBUUuA
— Rob Stone (@robstonetennis) May 9, 2020
The show’s dad, George Owens,...
The TV show was based on the 1947 novel Belvedere by Gwen Davenport. The novel was turned into a film in 1948, Sitting Pretty, and its two sequels, Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (1949) and Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell (1951).
The series was never a huge hit but did well enough to last five seasons.
What was ‘Mr. Belvedere’ about?
1of2: Calling all Mr. Belvedere fans: My tv fam was set to travel east this month to take part in a meet and greet event. We did one earlier this year in L.A. It was great and v humbling to meet so many people who enjoyed our show. pic.twitter.com/Sp2ISBUUuA
— Rob Stone (@robstonetennis) May 9, 2020
The show’s dad, George Owens,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Stacy Feintuch
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Christopher Hewett starred as Mr. Belvedere in the ABC sitcom of the same name that ran from 1985 to 1990.
Gwen Davenport created the character for her 1947 novel Belvedere. It was later adapted into the 1948 film Sitting Pretty and its two sequels, Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (1949) and Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell (1951).
There were a few attempts to turn the popular movie into a series in the 1950s and 1960s, but they were unsuccessful until the 1985 version became a midseason replacement on ABC.
Who was Christopher Hewett?
Mr. Belvedere starring Christopher Hewett debuted on tv's today back in 1985. The ABC series ran from March 15, 1985, to July 8, 1990 airing a total of 117 episodes. Baseball fans will also recognize former MLB'er Bob Uecker. #80s #80stv pic.twitter.com/h6wYAhE5Vb
— LandOfThe80s (@landofthe80s) March 15, 2020
Hewett was born in Worthing, Sussex. He made his stage debut at just 7 years old in a Dublin...
Gwen Davenport created the character for her 1947 novel Belvedere. It was later adapted into the 1948 film Sitting Pretty and its two sequels, Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (1949) and Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell (1951).
There were a few attempts to turn the popular movie into a series in the 1950s and 1960s, but they were unsuccessful until the 1985 version became a midseason replacement on ABC.
Who was Christopher Hewett?
Mr. Belvedere starring Christopher Hewett debuted on tv's today back in 1985. The ABC series ran from March 15, 1985, to July 8, 1990 airing a total of 117 episodes. Baseball fans will also recognize former MLB'er Bob Uecker. #80s #80stv pic.twitter.com/h6wYAhE5Vb
— LandOfThe80s (@landofthe80s) March 15, 2020
Hewett was born in Worthing, Sussex. He made his stage debut at just 7 years old in a Dublin...
- 3/14/2023
- by Stacy Feintuch
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When you think of your typical “SNL” host, you probably imagine movie stars, television actors or music personalities. But did you know more than 30 athletes have hosted NBC’s late night sketch comedy series over the past five decades? Indeed, all of the biggest names in sports have graced Studio 8H for a night of laughs and gags, including Bill Russell, John Madden, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan and Dwayne Johnson.
While the vast majority of hosts from the world of sports have been male, three female athletes have also entertained audiences: Chris Evert, Nancy Kerrigan and Ronda Rousey. The most recent addition to the list was Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, who took his turn as emcee in March 2023. Scroll through our “SNL” gallery above (or click here for direct access) to see all 35 athletes who hosted “Saturday Night Live.”
See ‘SNL’: Longest-running cast members ever on ‘Saturday Night Live...
While the vast majority of hosts from the world of sports have been male, three female athletes have also entertained audiences: Chris Evert, Nancy Kerrigan and Ronda Rousey. The most recent addition to the list was Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, who took his turn as emcee in March 2023. Scroll through our “SNL” gallery above (or click here for direct access) to see all 35 athletes who hosted “Saturday Night Live.”
See ‘SNL’: Longest-running cast members ever on ‘Saturday Night Live...
- 3/4/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
More than three months after he was defeated by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls on the biggest stage of his career, Charles Barkley picked up a basketball for the first time in September 1993 and stared down his next opponent: a stuntman in a knockoff Barney costume. Despite losing in six games in the 1993 NBA Finals, Charles’ star was as bright as ever — an Olympic gold medalist and Mvp starring in movies, commercials, and video games who had been rumored to have hung out with Madonna. Yet when Chuck hosted...
- 11/3/2022
- by Timothy Bella
- Rollingstone.com
All products and services featured by IndieWire are independently selected by IndieWire editors. However, IndieWire may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Baseball fans are gearing up for a real-life “Field of Dreams” experience. After more than two years of planning, and six years after the idea first came about, Major League Baseball will unveil a specially constructed ballpark in Iowa on Thursday.
The Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees will face off at the baseball field located next to the cornfield where “Field of Dreams” was filmed.
The “MLB at Field of Dreams” event will include a “corn maze” featuring the MLB silhouetted batter logo, and a first-of-its-kind LED lighting system that will illuminate most of the 159 acres of corn fields surrounding the ballpark. Players will also sport special uniforms for the game.
Baseball fans are gearing up for a real-life “Field of Dreams” experience. After more than two years of planning, and six years after the idea first came about, Major League Baseball will unveil a specially constructed ballpark in Iowa on Thursday.
The Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees will face off at the baseball field located next to the cornfield where “Field of Dreams” was filmed.
The “MLB at Field of Dreams” event will include a “corn maze” featuring the MLB silhouetted batter logo, and a first-of-its-kind LED lighting system that will illuminate most of the 159 acres of corn fields surrounding the ballpark. Players will also sport special uniforms for the game.
- 8/12/2021
- by Latifah Muhammad
- Indiewire
There might be a few people wondering why in the heck we’re seeing an announcement for the WWE that includes William Shatner being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. But if anyone has been paying attention over the years, this Hof isn’t all that exclusive to wrestling since various other names have made their way into the Hall as well, such as Pete Rose, William “The Refrigerator” Perry, Bob Uecker, Drew Carey, and several others over the years. This honor is essentially given to those that were allowed on the show and were impressive in one way or another,
William Shatner is Being Inducted Into the WWE Hall of Fame...
William Shatner is Being Inducted Into the WWE Hall of Fame...
- 4/8/2021
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
Joe Morgan, a Hall of Fame baseball player who also had a more than two-decade career as a broadcaster, has died. He was 77.
According to the Associated Press, Morgan died Sunday at his home in Danville, California, after suffering from a nerve condition, a form of polyneuropathy. Morgan’s death comes a few a days after New York Yankees legend Whitey Ford passed away.
Morgan was considered one of the best second basemen to ever play the game. He played for five teams, most notably the Houston Colt .45s/Astros and the Cincinnati Reds. It was the with the Reds that Morgan made his mark, winning two MVPs in back-to-back seasons as part of the “Big Red Machine”.
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.
As a broadcaster, Morgan was best known for his 21-year stint on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” where he paired with John Miller for his entire tenure.
According to the Associated Press, Morgan died Sunday at his home in Danville, California, after suffering from a nerve condition, a form of polyneuropathy. Morgan’s death comes a few a days after New York Yankees legend Whitey Ford passed away.
Morgan was considered one of the best second basemen to ever play the game. He played for five teams, most notably the Houston Colt .45s/Astros and the Cincinnati Reds. It was the with the Reds that Morgan made his mark, winning two MVPs in back-to-back seasons as part of the “Big Red Machine”.
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.
As a broadcaster, Morgan was best known for his 21-year stint on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” where he paired with John Miller for his entire tenure.
- 10/12/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Swing and a miss. Striking out. Fair or foul. Rounding the bases. Touching them all.
Baseball is back. The latest opening day in history is upon us but nonetheless it’s still opening day.
Baseball is as much a part of America as mom, apple pie, the flag – and the movies.
No sport has been romanticized on the silver screen as often as baseball. Hollywood has been betting on baseball for decades and it still delivers a winning performance. Diamonds Are Forever isn’t just a James Bond film. It perfectly describes the relationship between the Silver Screen and the American Pastime.
Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack, because you’re about to get caught in a run down of the greatest baseball films ever made.
42 (2013)
A biopic of when Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier while wearing No. 42 for the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers, hence the title. The film earned $27.3 million during its opening weekend.
Baseball is back. The latest opening day in history is upon us but nonetheless it’s still opening day.
Baseball is as much a part of America as mom, apple pie, the flag – and the movies.
No sport has been romanticized on the silver screen as often as baseball. Hollywood has been betting on baseball for decades and it still delivers a winning performance. Diamonds Are Forever isn’t just a James Bond film. It perfectly describes the relationship between the Silver Screen and the American Pastime.
Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack, because you’re about to get caught in a run down of the greatest baseball films ever made.
42 (2013)
A biopic of when Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier while wearing No. 42 for the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers, hence the title. The film earned $27.3 million during its opening weekend.
- 10/8/2020
- by AMP Training
- AsianMoviePulse
Okay, so here’s the thing. This month I wanted to find a good deep cut from the great Tom Atkins, whose charm and mustache thrilled us throughout the ’80s, even as he played a lecherous doctor, a kinda lecherous resident of a quaint seaside town, and a caustic cop haunted by his past (who I assume was also a lech). So when I dove into his filmography in search of a lesser-known vehicle, I perked up when I found the 1980 psychological drama The Ninth Configuration.
Alas, after watching the film, it turns out that Atkins has a relatively minor role, but there’s no way I could skip this movie, as it features a Murderers’ Row of horror character actor royalty. And so I figured, since baseball season did just start...*Puts on best Bob Uecker voice from Major League.*
Well, hello there, horror fans! And welcome to another...
Alas, after watching the film, it turns out that Atkins has a relatively minor role, but there’s no way I could skip this movie, as it features a Murderers’ Row of horror character actor royalty. And so I figured, since baseball season did just start...*Puts on best Bob Uecker voice from Major League.*
Well, hello there, horror fans! And welcome to another...
- 5/1/2019
- by Bryan Christopher
- DailyDead
Dogs aren't just man's best friend, they're kid's best friend too. Watch a trailer for Disney Junior's new Puppy Dog Pals TV show, premiering on Disney Channel Friday, April 14, 2017, at 10:30am Edt. An animated children's series from creator Harland Williams, Puppy Dog Pals follows pug brothers Bingo and Rolly and their owner Bob (voiced by Williams, who also writes the series).Puppy Dog Pals stars Issac Ryan Brown as Bingo, Sam Lavagnino as Rolly, Tom Kenny as A.R.F, and Jessica Dicicco as Hissy. Guest voice actors in season one of the Disney Junior show include Huey Lewis, Patrick Warburton, Jack McBrayer, Yvette Nicole Brown, Leslie David Baker, Cheri Oteri, Jill Talley, Mo Collins, Bob Uecker, and Tress MacNeille.Read More…...
- 3/24/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
As Game 4 of Fox’s World Series coverage got underway on Saturday, criticism of play-by-play man Joe Buck had reached a fever pitch.
RelatedRatings: World Series Game 3 Delivers 12-Year Audience High
Most recently, claims of Buck’s bias had been creatively embodied by a wedding registry set up (by a fan) for him and Cubs player Kyle Schwarber, as well as a petition to sub in player-turned-broadcaster Bob Uecker (who famously played the Indians’ homer in Major League).
In addition to any Cubs favoritism he has been accused of displaying in the booth during the Fall Classic’s first three games,...
RelatedRatings: World Series Game 3 Delivers 12-Year Audience High
Most recently, claims of Buck’s bias had been creatively embodied by a wedding registry set up (by a fan) for him and Cubs player Kyle Schwarber, as well as a petition to sub in player-turned-broadcaster Bob Uecker (who famously played the Indians’ homer in Major League).
In addition to any Cubs favoritism he has been accused of displaying in the booth during the Fall Classic’s first three games,...
- 10/30/2016
- TVLine.com
On March 15, 1985, ABC debuted Mr. Belvedere at 8:30 p.m. as a midseason replacement airing immediately after that other show about a wise-cracking butler, Benson. The show centered on a proper British butler (Christopher Hewett) adjusting to life working for the Owens family of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. And for six seasons, characters on the show and the people watching them chose not to think too much about how strange it was that a middle-class family would have a live-in butler. The show hit that family-comedy sweet spot right along with Family Ties, Growing Pains, Full House and The Cosby Show,...
- 3/15/2015
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- PEOPLE.com
On March 15, 1985, ABC debuted Mr. Belvedere at 8:30 p.m. as a midseason replacement airing immediately after that other show about a wise-cracking butler, Benson. The show centered on a proper British butler (Christopher Hewett) adjusting to life working for the Owens family of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. And for six seasons, characters on the show and the people watching them chose not to think too much about how strange it was that a middle-class family would have a live-in butler.
The show hit that family-comedy sweet spot right along with Family Ties, Growing Pains, Full House and The Cosby Show,...
The show hit that family-comedy sweet spot right along with Family Ties, Growing Pains, Full House and The Cosby Show,...
- 3/11/2015
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- People.com - TV Watch
The WWE Hall of Fame is one of those things that is cool when deserving wrestlers get in. At other times it’s something that makes people cringe because there have been some ridiculous choices that got in year before big names.
The “Celebrity Wing” of the Hall of Fame is all about honoring celebrities that had some sort of history in WWE. Recent inductees include Mike Tyson, Mr. T, Donald Trump, Pete Rose, Bob Uecker and Drew Carey. Some of them were on WWE TV only two or three times, yet they’re in.
This year’s celebrity inductee is Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was on a Smackdown episode in 1999, then he inducted Bruno Sammartino into the Hall of Fame in 2013 and then he was on Raw in 2014. That’s pretty much it for him in WWE, but Vince McMahon and Triple H are such marks for bodybuilding that they put him in.
The “Celebrity Wing” of the Hall of Fame is all about honoring celebrities that had some sort of history in WWE. Recent inductees include Mike Tyson, Mr. T, Donald Trump, Pete Rose, Bob Uecker and Drew Carey. Some of them were on WWE TV only two or three times, yet they’re in.
This year’s celebrity inductee is Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was on a Smackdown episode in 1999, then he inducted Bruno Sammartino into the Hall of Fame in 2013 and then he was on Raw in 2014. That’s pretty much it for him in WWE, but Vince McMahon and Triple H are such marks for bodybuilding that they put him in.
- 1/30/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
It was announced on Monday that WWE will induct actor and the former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger for their Hall of Fame on Saturday March 24 at the Sap Center in San Jose, California. The previous name announced for the Hall of Fame is “Macho Man” Randy Savage. It was first reported by TMZ and shortly after confirmed by WWE.com as well.
Does he really deserve it? He’s only been on WWE TV a few times, so he really doesn’t deserve it based on that. However, WWE has inducted multiple celebrities in the past that have barely appeared on their shows. In the last five years the celebrity Hall of Famers have been Bob Uecker, Drew Carey, Mike Tyson, Donald Trump and Mr. T’s memorable speech last year thanking his mother endlessly.
Schwarzenegger, who is 67 years old, appeared at the 2013 Hall of Fame when...
It was announced on Monday that WWE will induct actor and the former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger for their Hall of Fame on Saturday March 24 at the Sap Center in San Jose, California. The previous name announced for the Hall of Fame is “Macho Man” Randy Savage. It was first reported by TMZ and shortly after confirmed by WWE.com as well.
Does he really deserve it? He’s only been on WWE TV a few times, so he really doesn’t deserve it based on that. However, WWE has inducted multiple celebrities in the past that have barely appeared on their shows. In the last five years the celebrity Hall of Famers have been Bob Uecker, Drew Carey, Mike Tyson, Donald Trump and Mr. T’s memorable speech last year thanking his mother endlessly.
Schwarzenegger, who is 67 years old, appeared at the 2013 Hall of Fame when...
- 1/26/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
A quarter-century ago, Kevin Costner hit a double-play, following up "Bull Durham" with "Field of Dreams" and becoming king of the sports movie. Twenty-five years later, as "Field of Dreams" marks its 25th anniversary (it was released on April 21, 1989), Costner is back with "Draft Day." The movie's about football, not baseball, and Costner's character plays in the executive suite, not on the field, but his mere presence still offers a reminder of great sports movies past.
And after all, isn't nostalgia a key element of sports movies? "Field of Dreams" makes this explicit -- we long for the sports heroes of our childhood, for a supposed long-gone golden age of our preferred sport, as a way of connecting with our past and bridging the generational divide that separates us as adults from our parents. Sports movies offer more than just the drama of winners and losers, or the journey from dream to achievement,...
And after all, isn't nostalgia a key element of sports movies? "Field of Dreams" makes this explicit -- we long for the sports heroes of our childhood, for a supposed long-gone golden age of our preferred sport, as a way of connecting with our past and bridging the generational divide that separates us as adults from our parents. Sports movies offer more than just the drama of winners and losers, or the journey from dream to achievement,...
- 4/20/2014
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
With the Elimination Chamber behind us, WWE fans are now in the final leg of the famous ‘Road to WrestleMania’. As is customary the night before WrestleMania, WWE will be commemorating the latest inductees to the WWE Hall of Fame. So far, Bob Backlund, Trish Stratus, Mick Foley and Bruno Sammartino have all been announced, with the possibility of others in the next couple of weeks. But will there be any new legends added to the controversial celebrity wing of the Hall of Fame?
In case you didn’t know, WWE have an exclusive section of the Hall of Fame reserved for celebrity guests who have been involved with the organization in some capacity. Current members include:
• Pete Rose (Major League Baseball player, appeared at three consecutive WrestleManias)
• William “The Refrigerator” Perry (NFL player, competed in a battle royal at Wrestlemania 2)
• Bob Uecker (Major League Baseball player, guest announcer...
In case you didn’t know, WWE have an exclusive section of the Hall of Fame reserved for celebrity guests who have been involved with the organization in some capacity. Current members include:
• Pete Rose (Major League Baseball player, appeared at three consecutive WrestleManias)
• William “The Refrigerator” Perry (NFL player, competed in a battle royal at Wrestlemania 2)
• Bob Uecker (Major League Baseball player, guest announcer...
- 2/21/2013
- by Izzy Scrimshire
- Obsessed with Film
30 Rock is going out with a bang. Or a least with a wonderful tribute to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. In an effort to find his successor, Jack reinstated Kenneth the page to give a special VIP tour to the five final candidates for the position. The contenders (conveniently named Charlie, Veruca, Mike, Augustus, and Violet) were led to believe the tour was just a formality, but it was really the last part of the interview. Enter “NBC’s TV version of Willy Wonka starring Bob Uecker.”
Jack hoped the candidates would drop their guard, and then he could determine who to hire.
Jack hoped the candidates would drop their guard, and then he could determine who to hire.
- 1/25/2013
- by Breia Brissey
- EW.com - PopWatch
While inspirational sports stories usually prove to be box office draws, when you make them you still run the risk of alienating the portion of the film-going audience who just don’t like sports. If someone doesn’t like basketball or football, how do you get them to sit through a story where people play basketball or football for two hours? Brad Pitt’s 2011 starring vehicle, Moneyball, was hyped by its fans as being a baseball story that anybody could get into. Its focus was more on statistics and science stuff than it was gameplay. It was more about bucking the system than it was winning the big game. And at its heart was a story about a failed man reclaiming his life and growing as an individual. There’s no need to be into baseball to enjoy all of that stuff, right? Major League, conversely, is a 1989 comedy that was aimed squarely at baseball fans. If...
- 11/20/2012
- by Nathan Adams
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
How do you catch a knuckleball? is a question that has baffled major league backstops for decades. Wise old Bob Uecker seemed to have the best philosophy: “Wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up.”
The most enigmatic of pitches, the knuckleball is one of baseball’s great lost arts. Even when it’s working best, the pitcher really has no idea where it’s going. It darts, it flutters, it sinks. It taunts a hitter — just sitting there begging to be smashed, and then it’s gone again. Though it’s always been a rare pitch mastered...
The most enigmatic of pitches, the knuckleball is one of baseball’s great lost arts. Even when it’s working best, the pitcher really has no idea where it’s going. It darts, it flutters, it sinks. It taunts a hitter — just sitting there begging to be smashed, and then it’s gone again. Though it’s always been a rare pitch mastered...
- 4/12/2012
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside Movies
WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler has told the Miami Herald that he has pushed for the late Andy Kaufman to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Celebrity Wing. Lawler said;
“I’ve pushed for him to be there… The match I had with him, and that whole scenario I think opened the door and changed the face of wrestling to what it is today. There was the Hollywood involvement, the showbiz aspect, but especially the Hollywood involvement. When Andy came along and he and I had those matches, all of a sudden we were on national television on David Letterman, Saturday Night Live and these sorts of things. Our industry got the big Hollywood rub from Andy Kaufman.“Then Mr. McMahon just took that ball and ran with it. Next thing you know you have Cyndi Lauper out there, Mr. T, Hulk Hogan in the Rocky movie.
“I’ve pushed for him to be there… The match I had with him, and that whole scenario I think opened the door and changed the face of wrestling to what it is today. There was the Hollywood involvement, the showbiz aspect, but especially the Hollywood involvement. When Andy came along and he and I had those matches, all of a sudden we were on national television on David Letterman, Saturday Night Live and these sorts of things. Our industry got the big Hollywood rub from Andy Kaufman.“Then Mr. McMahon just took that ball and ran with it. Next thing you know you have Cyndi Lauper out there, Mr. T, Hulk Hogan in the Rocky movie.
- 1/15/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Zach Galifianakis has scored a first-look deal with HBO. He is set to write and produce a pilot presentation for the premium cable network, teaming up with Mike Gibbons. According to Deadline, comedian Brody Stevens will star in the show and Galifianakis is expected to appear too.
The mockumentary-style comedy will revolve around Stevens, who stars as himself, and chronicle one day in the life of the former amateur baseball player. Described as a cross between George Plimpton and "Mr. Baseball" Bob Uecker, Stevens who began doing standup in the mid-1990s has been friends with Galifianakis for 10 years.
Zach Galifianakis currently stars on HBO's comedy series "Bored to Death". Brody Stevens, meanwhile, once landed a small role in "The Hangover" in which Galifianakis starred as one of the main characters.
The mockumentary-style comedy will revolve around Stevens, who stars as himself, and chronicle one day in the life of the former amateur baseball player. Described as a cross between George Plimpton and "Mr. Baseball" Bob Uecker, Stevens who began doing standup in the mid-1990s has been friends with Galifianakis for 10 years.
Zach Galifianakis currently stars on HBO's comedy series "Bored to Death". Brody Stevens, meanwhile, once landed a small role in "The Hangover" in which Galifianakis starred as one of the main characters.
- 3/24/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Zach Galifianakis has signed a new first-look deal with HBO that expands his relationship with the network. He currently co-stars in the comedy series Bored to Death and has now lined up a new show starring comedian Brody Stevens and directed by Jonathan Krisel. The show was co-created and excec produced by Galifianakis and Mike Gibbons, and just wrapped production. The series is a mocumentary that stars Stevens as himself, which follows one day in the life of the comedian. Galifianakis is expected to guest star on the potential series.
Stevens is a former amateur baseball player and is described as a cross between George Plimpton and "Mr. Baseball" Bob Uecker. He's been doing standup since the 90's and met Galifianakis in Chicago when Stevens was opening for the Hangover star. Deadline reports that Brody called Galifianakis' hotel room and said: "It's Brody Stevens. I’d really want to take...
Stevens is a former amateur baseball player and is described as a cross between George Plimpton and "Mr. Baseball" Bob Uecker. He's been doing standup since the 90's and met Galifianakis in Chicago when Stevens was opening for the Hangover star. Deadline reports that Brody called Galifianakis' hotel room and said: "It's Brody Stevens. I’d really want to take...
- 3/23/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Exclusive: The Hangover's Zach Galifianakis, who co-stars on HBO's comedy series Bored to Death, has expanded his relationship with the pay cable network through a first-look deal. The first project under the pact is a low-budget comedy presentation for HBO starring comedian Brody Stevens and directed by Jonathan Krisel. Galifianakis and Mike Gibbons co-created, wrote and are executive producing the presentation, which just wrapped production. It is a mocumentary starring Stevens as himself, which chronicles one day in the life of the comedian. Galifianakis appears in the presentation and is expected to guest star on the potential series. Stevens, described as a cross between George Plimpton and "Mr. Baseball" Bob Uecker, is a former amateur baseball player who began doing standup in the mid-1990s. He's been friends with fellow standup comedian Galifianakis for 10 years. The two met in Chicago when Stevens was opening for the Hangover star. According to Brody,...
- 3/23/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Drew Carey is on fire! Carey is the star of Gsn's new improvisational series "Drew Carey.s Improv-a-Ganza," and the Cleveland kid was also recently selected by the WWE as the newest member of the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame. The WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony presented by Thq.s WWE All Stars. will take place at the Phillips Arena on Saturday, April 2 and the one-hour TV special will air Monday, April 4 at 8/7c on USA Network, before his Gsn show debuts on April 11. Drew Carey joins Pete Rose, Bob Uecker and William .Refrigerator. Perry among other honorees. Other members of the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame Class include .The Heartbreak Kid. Shawn Michaels®, .Hacksaw. Jim...
- 3/14/2011
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
I have to confess my age in writing this particular review, because Johnny Carson was off the air by the time I was watching late night television (or rather, watching and appreciating it). For my generation, the names headlining the late night shows were and, with a little bit of controversy, remain Jay Leno and David Letterman. In my case, I had to familiarize myself with Carson through YouTube clips years after he’d retired. Tonight, the most complete compilation of episode’s from Carson’s 30-year-long career as host, starts 4 years into his career (1965) and spans up to 1990 (4 years short of his final bow) in a 15-disc set featuring some great moments and some of the best guest appearances (with a particular focus on comedians for this set, it would seem). It’s doubtful we’ll ever see a full set, just because the undertaking of committing that much...
- 1/24/2011
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
It was almost a year ago when we last heard anything regarding the proposed Fourth film in the Major League franchise. At the time, Bob Uecker (who played commentator Harry Doyle in the original 1989 film) revealed he’s had contact from the creative team behind the first three Major League films, and that they were developing a Major League 4.
The original Major League was about a underdog baseball team, the Cleveland Indians, which become a World Series contender much to the surprise of their manager, who was betting on their failure, that was followed by a direct sequel. The last film in the series, Major League: Back to the Minors, followed Gus (Scott Bakula) as he became the manager for a minor league team.
Whilst no one would think that any of the original cast would possibly return for Major League 4, Moviehole talked with Major League writer/director David S. Ward...
The original Major League was about a underdog baseball team, the Cleveland Indians, which become a World Series contender much to the surprise of their manager, who was betting on their failure, that was followed by a direct sequel. The last film in the series, Major League: Back to the Minors, followed Gus (Scott Bakula) as he became the manager for a minor league team.
Whilst no one would think that any of the original cast would possibly return for Major League 4, Moviehole talked with Major League writer/director David S. Ward...
- 6/23/2010
- by Phil
- Nerdly
It came as a surprise to everyone when Bob Uecker announced at a sports game that a new Major League movie was going to be made. Now we have a little update on the fourth Major League film to share with you from Moviehole who had the opportunity to talk to David S. Ward, the writer and director of the original 1989 Major League film.
He confirmed that a new Major League movie is being developed, and he hopes to reunite the original cast!
It's 20 years later, and Wild Thing comes out of retirement to work with this 19-year-old player", Ward says of the storyline. "We've actually got three new characters in the new film. And if the new film is popular, they could carry the franchise on.
As of right now Ward has only talked to Charlie Sheen about coming back to reprise his role as Wild Thing, and he...
He confirmed that a new Major League movie is being developed, and he hopes to reunite the original cast!
It's 20 years later, and Wild Thing comes out of retirement to work with this 19-year-old player", Ward says of the storyline. "We've actually got three new characters in the new film. And if the new film is popular, they could carry the franchise on.
As of right now Ward has only talked to Charlie Sheen about coming back to reprise his role as Wild Thing, and he...
- 6/23/2010
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
It has been a busy few days for baseball movie news. The other day, we reported Bradley Cooper will star in an untitled Disney baseball flick. Now, it looks like the gang from the original Major League will be back for one more shot at the big leagues. Moviehole is reporting that the original director David S. Ward is in talks with Morgan Creek to bring the fourth installment of this franchise to life.
The third film, Major League: Back to the Minors was a predictable flop, and only saw a handful of the original, loveable cast members, namely Pedro Ceranno’s character (Dennis Haysbert). This project appears to be focused more on the original characters:
“It’s 20 years later, and Wild Thing comes out of retirement to work with this 19-year-old player”, Ward says of the storyline. “We’ve actually got three new characters in the new film. And...
The third film, Major League: Back to the Minors was a predictable flop, and only saw a handful of the original, loveable cast members, namely Pedro Ceranno’s character (Dennis Haysbert). This project appears to be focused more on the original characters:
“It’s 20 years later, and Wild Thing comes out of retirement to work with this 19-year-old player”, Ward says of the storyline. “We’ve actually got three new characters in the new film. And...
- 6/23/2010
- by Eric Seemiller
- The Film Stage
Will Wild Thing return to the plate for another at-bat? Last year, Bob Uecker revealed that he's been contacted from the creative team behind the first three Major League films, and that they are developing a Major League 4. I noted at the time that I wouldn't expect Charlie Sheen to reprise the role of Rick 'Wild Thing' Vaughn, as Sheen didn't return for the last film and this would likely be an even smaller production. It looks like I might be wrong after all. Moviehole talked with Major League writer/director David S Ward who revealed that he's written the script and next week he'll be talking to James Robinson at Morgan Creek about it. Ward says that his script acts as a Major League 3, and is set 20 years later: "Wild Thing comes out of retirement to work with this 19-year-old player. We've actually got three new characters in ...
- 6/23/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Last year Bob Uecker revealed that a new "Major League" movie was in the works, but we haven't heard much more about it. Moviehole has now caught up with David Ward (The Program), the director of the 1989 movie, who backed up Eucker's comments. "We're actually talking about doing one right now," he said. "I've written, what I see, as 'Major League 3.' We're putting that together as we speak - in fact, next week I'm off to talk to Morgan Creek about it." Ward went on to describe the story. He said: "It's 20 years later, and Wild Thing comes out of retirement to work with this 19-year-old player. We've actually got three new characters in the new film. And if the new film is popular, they could carry the franchise on." The director added that he would like to bring back Tom Berenger, Corbin Bernsen and Wesley Snipes. But at this point,...
- 6/23/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
Here’s a list of some of the new movie and TV shows coming to DVD and Blu-ray this week that we’re looking forward to seeing. Also, there’s some classic, and not-so-classic, movies hitting Blu-ray for the first time this week as well.
Of all the new releases, we’re particularly interested in the Blu-ray versions of movies like Silverado, Dead Calm and The Quick and the Dead as well as Fringe Season One also on the Blu-ray.
Check them out.
Movies
Bedknobs and Broomsticks ~ Angela Lansbury, Roddy McDowall (DVD)
Catwoman ~ Halle Berry (Blu-ray)
Crank 2: High Voltage ~ Jason Statham, Amy Smart, David Carradine (DVD and Blu-ray)
Creepshow ~ Hal Holbrook, Leslie Nielsen (Blu-ray)
Dead Calm ~ Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Billy Zane (Blu-ray)
Requiem for a Dream ~ Billy Crudup, Jennifer Connelly (Blu-ray)
Freddy vs. Jason ~ Robert Englund, Monica Keena (Blu-ray)
Friday ~ Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long (Blu-ray)
Halloween...
Of all the new releases, we’re particularly interested in the Blu-ray versions of movies like Silverado, Dead Calm and The Quick and the Dead as well as Fringe Season One also on the Blu-ray.
Check them out.
Movies
Bedknobs and Broomsticks ~ Angela Lansbury, Roddy McDowall (DVD)
Catwoman ~ Halle Berry (Blu-ray)
Crank 2: High Voltage ~ Jason Statham, Amy Smart, David Carradine (DVD and Blu-ray)
Creepshow ~ Hal Holbrook, Leslie Nielsen (Blu-ray)
Dead Calm ~ Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Billy Zane (Blu-ray)
Requiem for a Dream ~ Billy Crudup, Jennifer Connelly (Blu-ray)
Freddy vs. Jason ~ Robert Englund, Monica Keena (Blu-ray)
Friday ~ Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long (Blu-ray)
Halloween...
- 9/9/2009
- by Joe Gillis
- The Flickcast
According to Moviehole, Bob Uecker (commentator Harry Doyle from "Major League") was at the Wrigley stadium last week where he talked about the game and his involvement in the "Major League" franchise. He confirmed that he has been speaking with the creative team behind the first three films and that a fourth installment is being planned. He did not reveal whether the new movie will be made for the big screen or straight-to-dvd, but one can assume that it's the latter. In the original 1989 film, the new owner of the Cleveland Indians puts together a purposely horrible team so they'll lose and she can move the team. But when the plot is uncovered, they start winning just to spite her. It stars Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, Tom Berenger and Corbin Bernsen.
- 7/7/2009
- WorstPreviews.com
Even if you're not the kind of super fan [1] that would take a road trip to Cleveland for a Rick Vaughn bobblehead [2], I think most of us can agree that Major League is one of the best sports comedies ever made. It ranked #4 in our poll [3] a couple of years ago, but having rewatched part of it on TV not too long ago, I can definitely say that it still holds up. Well, with 2009 being the 20th anniversary of the original film, it seems that Warner Brothers may be working on something else for the fans as well... a little something called Major League 4! According to /Film [4], Bob Uecker (who played commentator Harry Doyle) was recently broadcasting from Wrigley Field where he mentioned that he had been in contact with the creative team behind the first three films, and that they are indeed developing a fourth Major League movie. Details...
- 7/6/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
It's a week away from the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and Steroid Derby, so I can't think of a better time for talk of a fourth Major League movie to spread.
Moviehole reports that the inimitable Bob Uecker, the Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers, has been in touch with the creative team behind another Major League, which would naturally bring him back as play-by-play announcer Harry Doyle. Ueck is apparently the only source on the story right now, but if you can't trust a cast member from Mr. Belvedere, who can you trust?...
Moviehole reports that the inimitable Bob Uecker, the Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers, has been in touch with the creative team behind another Major League, which would naturally bring him back as play-by-play announcer Harry Doyle. Ueck is apparently the only source on the story right now, but if you can't trust a cast member from Mr. Belvedere, who can you trust?...
- 7/6/2009
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Someone recently got to sit down with Bob Uecker during a Cubs game and chatted about a ‘Major League’ 4, which he confirmed was in the works. Unfortunately this will likely be a direct to DVD film, seeing as how the last ‘Major League’ movie performed very poorly.
It would be awesome to get the old cast back together to make a sort of ‘The Replacements’ style movie with them being asked to play again even though they are in their 40’s. What do you guys think? A new ‘Major League’ movie, should it have original cast members or not? Thanks to Slash Film for the heads up...
It would be awesome to get the old cast back together to make a sort of ‘The Replacements’ style movie with them being asked to play again even though they are in their 40’s. What do you guys think? A new ‘Major League’ movie, should it have original cast members or not? Thanks to Slash Film for the heads up...
- 7/6/2009
- by Scott
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Will Wild Thing return to the plate for another at-bat? Bob Uecker revealed while chatting up the game at Wrigley stadium last week that he's recently had contact from the creative team behind the first three Major League films, and that they're developing a Major League 4. For those who might not remember, Uecker played commentator Harry Doyle in the original 1989 film, which was about a loser underdog baseball team which becomes a World Series contender much to the surprise of their manager, who was betting on their failure. The last film in the series, Major League: Back to the Minors, followed Gus (Scott Bakula) as he became the manager for a minor league team. and later retired to the box where he proceeded to chat up the game, but also his involvement in the "Major League" films. Uecker confirmed that a "Major League 4" isin the works. He's apparently had ...
- 7/6/2009
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
I thought baseball movies weren't that popular any more? I mean, Sony just canned Steven Soderbergh's Moneyball movie. Moviehole is reporting a very sketchy rumor that claims that sports personality Bob Uecker said during the broadcast of a baseball game last week that a Major League 4 was in the works. The last Major League movie we saw came out in 1998 - Major League: Back to the Minors - and it pretty much flopped big time in theaters (only $3.5 million at the box office). But the original 1989 Major League movie is, of course, a sports comedy classic. Could Warner Brothers be trying to reboot this franchise, too? Uecker, who appeared as Harry Doyle in all three of the original Major League movies, has apparently been contacted by the creative team behind those first three. "It's not the first time Uecker has mentioned it in recent weeks." I don't ...
- 7/6/2009
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Major League is one of those movies which almost everyone has great memories of. Maybe it hasn.t held up so well over time and maybe your enjoyment of it is inversely proportional to how much you actually like baseball, but in whatever time and place the first movie was released. it seemed sort of special. That.s become less and less true with every inevitable sequel. They made two more before they had the good sense to stop doing them after 1998.s Major League: Back to the Minors. I guess time heals all wounds, because here comes the fourth one. Moviehole reports that the franchise.s manic radio announcer Harry Doyle, has been talking up a Major League 4. Doyle was played by Bob Uecker who, I have to say, I.m surprised to hear is still on this planet. Uecker has confirmed that Major League 4 is in play ...
- 7/6/2009
- cinemablend.com
Good baseball movies are hard to come by. You have Bull Durham, but even that’s a romantic comedy with baseball as an afterthought. The so-called classics are all great: For the Love of the Game, The Natural, A League of Their Own, etc. A few exist, but for the sheer volume of films made about our national pastime, you’d think we’d have gotten the “baseball movie” down to an art. Producing one Field of Dreams every 500 baseball movies isn’t a great ratio. Major League falls somewhere in that other 500; it’s neither a superb baseball movie nor a superb comedy. It simmers somewhere just below boiling and a notch above lukewarm.
It’s the premise which makes Major League such a catch. It’s the reverse of most sports films and yet it keeps to formula at the same time. The aberration from formula is the...
It’s the premise which makes Major League such a catch. It’s the reverse of most sports films and yet it keeps to formula at the same time. The aberration from formula is the...
- 5/22/2009
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Chicago – Paramount Home Video is unleashing waves of catalog titles this month, starting with an interesting quintet of laugh-fests that range wildly in subject matter and quality.
What do they have in common? Well, three are from the “Saturday Night Live” factory - “Wayne’s World,” “Wayne’s World 2,” and “Black Sheep,” but the other two are not. Those three are also from the ’90s, another tempting way to bunch these random titles together, but “Major League” is an ’80s comedy and “Without a Paddle” is from the ’00s.
Even quality levels seem like an inappropriate way to lump these titles together as even diehard fans couldn’t claim that Chris Farley’s “Black Sheep” or the silly “Paddle” should stand next to “Wayne’s World” or the beloved “Major League”.
Why even try and lump them together? They’re all comedies. They’re all Paramount. Anyone can find at...
What do they have in common? Well, three are from the “Saturday Night Live” factory - “Wayne’s World,” “Wayne’s World 2,” and “Black Sheep,” but the other two are not. Those three are also from the ’90s, another tempting way to bunch these random titles together, but “Major League” is an ’80s comedy and “Without a Paddle” is from the ’00s.
Even quality levels seem like an inappropriate way to lump these titles together as even diehard fans couldn’t claim that Chris Farley’s “Black Sheep” or the silly “Paddle” should stand next to “Wayne’s World” or the beloved “Major League”.
Why even try and lump them together? They’re all comedies. They’re all Paramount. Anyone can find at...
- 5/12/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Frank Dungan and Jeff Stein's Mr. Belvedere (1985-1990) entertained a large audience last six seasons. Mr. Belvedere is the story of Gwen Davenport's 1947 novel of the same name. Christopher Hewett plays the role of Mr. Belvedere in the show.
Mr. Belvedere is a much traveled British gentleman who comes down to the Owens household and settles there in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pa. Finding an advertisement of a housekeeping job placed by mother Marsha (played by Ilene Graff), Mr. Belvedere replies to it and manages to bag the job. But he is much discouraged by father George (played by Bob Uecker) and inspired by ultimate enrapture of children Kevin (played by Rob Stone), Heat....
Mr. Belvedere is a much traveled British gentleman who comes down to the Owens household and settles there in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pa. Finding an advertisement of a housekeeping job placed by mother Marsha (played by Ilene Graff), Mr. Belvedere replies to it and manages to bag the job. But he is much discouraged by father George (played by Bob Uecker) and inspired by ultimate enrapture of children Kevin (played by Rob Stone), Heat....
- 3/16/2009
- by Sumana
- Celeb9.com
After the major misfire of a sequel that was 1994's "Major League II", you'd think that any subsequent attempt, no matter how misguided, would have to look better by comparison.
You'd think.
But even a decent ump would be hard-pressed to make that call with the arrival of "Major League: Back to the Minors," a bland, poorly paced effort that takes its regressive title to heart.
A very pale imitation of the lively -- if never exactly inspired -- original, this third and likely final outing takes a half-hearted swing and fails to make any contact.
Final attendance figures will be disappointing, though series fans might take their chances during video postseason play.
While Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger have long since hung up their cleats, Corbin Bernsen returns as Roger Dorn. Currently the owner of the Minnesota Twins, Dorn is looking for someone to manage his farm team, the South Carolina Buzz; that someone turns out to be burnt-out minor league pitcher Gus Cantrell (Scott Bakula).
Reluctantly, Gus takes the gig, only to find out that the triple-A team might as well be called the Bad News Bores. A decidedly motley crew with a lousy attitude, the Buzz might appear as a hopeless task to some, but not to Cantrell, who knows a thing or two about never saying never.
Not only does he put the team back in the winning column, but a personal feud with vain, smug Twins manager Leonard Huff (Ted McGinley) leads to a minor league-major league grudge match with entirely predictable results.
As written and directed by John Warren, the picture goes through its generic paces with a scarcity of spark and spirit. It would have done well to take heed of one of Cantrell's pep talks.
The cast does the best it can with what it was given. Bakula, saddled with a tired, screen-cliche of a character, nevertheless conveys an easygoing amiability, as does Bernsen, for the little time he's onscreen.
"Married ... With Children" vet McGinley plays his adversarial part with the requisite broad strokes, while Dennis Haysbert (as Cuban voodoo outfielder Pedro Cerrano), Takaaki Ishibashi (as highly spiritual teammate Taka Tanaka) and Bob Uecker (as enthusiastic play-by-play man Harry Doyle) all return for more of the same.
Handed the token female role of Bakula's girlfriend, Jensen Daggett ("The Single Guy") fulfills her character demands by always looking pretty and supportive.
***MAJOR LEAGUE: BACK TO THE MINORS
Warner Bros.
James Robinson presents
a Morgan Creek production
Director-screenwriter: John Warren
Producer: James G. Robinson
Executive producers: Michael Rachmil,
Gary Barber, Bill Todman Jr.
Director of photography: Tim Suhrstedt
Editors: O. Nicholas Brown, Bryan H. Carroll
Music: Robert Folk
Color/stereo
Cast:
Gus Cantrell: Scott Bakula
Roger Dorn: Corbin Bernsen
Pedro Cerrano: Dennis Haysbert
Taka Tanaka: Takaaki Ishibashi
Maggie Reynolds: Jensen Daggett
Rube Baker: Eric Bruskotter
Harry Doyle: Bob Uecker
Leonard Huff: Ted McGinley
Running time -- 100 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
You'd think.
But even a decent ump would be hard-pressed to make that call with the arrival of "Major League: Back to the Minors," a bland, poorly paced effort that takes its regressive title to heart.
A very pale imitation of the lively -- if never exactly inspired -- original, this third and likely final outing takes a half-hearted swing and fails to make any contact.
Final attendance figures will be disappointing, though series fans might take their chances during video postseason play.
While Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger have long since hung up their cleats, Corbin Bernsen returns as Roger Dorn. Currently the owner of the Minnesota Twins, Dorn is looking for someone to manage his farm team, the South Carolina Buzz; that someone turns out to be burnt-out minor league pitcher Gus Cantrell (Scott Bakula).
Reluctantly, Gus takes the gig, only to find out that the triple-A team might as well be called the Bad News Bores. A decidedly motley crew with a lousy attitude, the Buzz might appear as a hopeless task to some, but not to Cantrell, who knows a thing or two about never saying never.
Not only does he put the team back in the winning column, but a personal feud with vain, smug Twins manager Leonard Huff (Ted McGinley) leads to a minor league-major league grudge match with entirely predictable results.
As written and directed by John Warren, the picture goes through its generic paces with a scarcity of spark and spirit. It would have done well to take heed of one of Cantrell's pep talks.
The cast does the best it can with what it was given. Bakula, saddled with a tired, screen-cliche of a character, nevertheless conveys an easygoing amiability, as does Bernsen, for the little time he's onscreen.
"Married ... With Children" vet McGinley plays his adversarial part with the requisite broad strokes, while Dennis Haysbert (as Cuban voodoo outfielder Pedro Cerrano), Takaaki Ishibashi (as highly spiritual teammate Taka Tanaka) and Bob Uecker (as enthusiastic play-by-play man Harry Doyle) all return for more of the same.
Handed the token female role of Bakula's girlfriend, Jensen Daggett ("The Single Guy") fulfills her character demands by always looking pretty and supportive.
***MAJOR LEAGUE: BACK TO THE MINORS
Warner Bros.
James Robinson presents
a Morgan Creek production
Director-screenwriter: John Warren
Producer: James G. Robinson
Executive producers: Michael Rachmil,
Gary Barber, Bill Todman Jr.
Director of photography: Tim Suhrstedt
Editors: O. Nicholas Brown, Bryan H. Carroll
Music: Robert Folk
Color/stereo
Cast:
Gus Cantrell: Scott Bakula
Roger Dorn: Corbin Bernsen
Pedro Cerrano: Dennis Haysbert
Taka Tanaka: Takaaki Ishibashi
Maggie Reynolds: Jensen Daggett
Rube Baker: Eric Bruskotter
Harry Doyle: Bob Uecker
Leonard Huff: Ted McGinley
Running time -- 100 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 4/20/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.