This was my dad's favorite movie. When Alzheimer's set in I'd visit several times a week. He would always say, "Have you seen this movie?" and then tell me all about it. We'd watch it. The next day or two we'd do it all over again. We must've enjoyed this movie 40 times. RIP dad, thanks for the gift of loving movies!
Fun Fact - The Natural was inspired by the story of Eddie Waitkus who was shot by his stalker while playing for the Cubs alongside my grandfather who was also on the team. My grandfather was the one who took the message from her and gave to Waitkus who was then shot. My grandfather felt guilty about that for the rest of his life. The ironic thing is that this was his son, my father’s, favorite movie.
I never knew that part! That's sad…your grandfather had so many successes (intentional walk with the bases loaded, nearly winning the MVP) and he had to feel guilty because of something that wasn't his fault. (Small correction: Waitkus was shot in 1949, after he'd been traded to the Phillies, which is supposedly what pushed Ruth Steinhagen over the edge, not being able to see him regularly. But your grandfather was on the Phillies by then, as well.)
I forgot what an unbelievably talented cast this movie had. Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Darren McGavin, Wilford Brimley, Michael Madsen, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Robert Prosky, Joe Don Baker, Richard Farnsworth, Barbara Hershey.....
@@BrassEater They've all been brilliant in so many roles. It's amazing they were able to get all of them together in one film. Each one could easily be the star and carry the entire show.
This movie is filled with themes of light, dark, and electricity. The way the lights fluttered when the murderer touched him on the train. The lights off in the owner’s office. The lighting that hit the tree. The ball hitting the lights at the end. Roy breaking the camera and the clock. The “bad” women wearing black while the “good” one wears white. Some might call it overt or simplistic but I think it’s poetic, powerful, and beautiful.
I love the way the lightning strikes. When it hits the tree he makes the bat from, it also lights up a N.Y. Knights pennant on Roy's wall. Then it strikes again when he hits his first home run with the Knights and again when he hits his last when the bat breaks. A supernatural theme runs all through the Natural.
I like all your points, but I think they were occasionally nuanced too. I.e., Memo also wears all white at times, kind of playing the ingenue, while being the femme fatal. But also, being a bit more complicated: Memo is not Harriet Bird levels of evil, and she seems to have actual feelings for Roy. But she's obviously under the control of men and in it for money, so she's clearly corrupted, and in her corrupt moments, she does wear black, most notably when she calls him and lies, saying she's wearing a 'white slip', while wearing all black and with Gus in the room. Anyway: I love all of the movie's symbolism, and all of the actors are perfect in it!
I'm 51 years old. Watched this movie 100 times, easily. Every single time I watch it I still cry. I'm wiping tears away now. It's just a special movie.
Let's not forget Caleb Deschanel's insane cinematography! Gave this film its magical-fantasy feel by using almost exclusively natural light, helping to create that huge light-dark contrast. I'm constantly in awe of the look of this film. I like these quotes from the american society of cinematography, "... the black, gray and green baseball sequences, penetrated by blazing sunlight, give a sense of games not as they are played, but as they are remembered." & "The whole film is bathed in a kind of nostalgic glow, and the compositions are so precise nearly any frame from The Natural could be hung on the wall of a museum."
His movies are always amazing. The Right Stuff is just glorious, as was The Black Stallion right before it, and many more after. It certainly isn't easy to get such great cinematography, and while he has yet to win an Oscar, he's been nominated many times.
'Magical-fantasy feel' is dead right. The film is full of Arthurian references - The Knights (of the round table), the magical sword/bat created in mysterious circumstances (Excalibur), the dark woman who is antagonistic to the hero (Morgana le Fay), and Roy means 'king' of course. I'm sure there are others.
@@SuperWhofan1 agreed, although masterfully ‘directed’ films are usually a successful collaboration between a whole host of people whose contributions are usually lazily credited to the director. The relationship between director and DP is the first and most important element, IMO.
Randy Newman arguably deserves top billing for this movie even over Robert Redford. (In fact, this was Newman's FIRST Aaron Copland imitation, even before his long years with Pixar...)
One of the best things about this movie is that Redford actually played baseball in school - probably one of the best swings in any baseball movie. It's an incredible movie that I watch every February during Spring Training.
Redford emulates Ted Williams in a lot of ways. Williams was the last guy to hit .400+ in a season....they said he had the best looking swing in all of baseball. I always thought this movie was secretly modeled after him as a player for the longest time before I realized it's based off a novel.
Fun facts about the movie: 1.) Redford was trained by Speck Shea, a former Yankee pitcher, at Naugatuck, Ct near where I used to live. His performance was believable and the slow motion shot of him throwing the pitch to Whammer was nicely done. 2.) Some distant fans in the stands are not fans at all, but cardboard cutouts. Saved money on extra's. 3.) Glen Close's hat scene was a chore to film because the sun's angle had to be perfect with all the people at that correct time of day. A director's nightmare, but the payoff is worth it. 4.) Hobb's is somewhat modeled after Ted Williams. He wears the same number, 9, bats left handed, hand picking lumber for his bat and used the same quote Williams once said, "there goes Roy Hobbs, the best there ever was!" Williams could arguably be considered the greatest hitter of all time, lost 4 prime years to his services in WWII and The Korean War. He flew in combat and landed a shot up plane. He was a legitimate badass.
"Eight Men Out" is a wonderful period piece movie on the most famous or infamous 1919 world series. Has great performances and a very authentic presentation of a film. Criminally underviewed imo.
@@mason1011 Well, it is a brilliantly made baseball film without the syrup and spectacle of The Natural, so, I guess so. The Natural is perfectly apt here, it's a great popcorn movie. Eight Men Out is a great film.
The last film my Dad took me to before he died suddenly. What a film to see in 1984 when I was 8, what a city to be in for the 84 Chicago Cubs. 1984 was a great year for baseball, movies and Dads (which this movie is a mix of perfectly)
The home run scene, were Pop is watching Roy run the bases. Always brings a tear to my eye. " Well your the best I ever had...and the best damn hitter I ever saw...suit up." That sums up this movie perfectly.
"My father wanted me to be a baseball player." Just thought I'd lead in to the best quote in the movie. You highlighted one of my favorite movie lines.
@@peteg475 I was at the last night game at the old Comisky Park. I think it was a tradition there to do fireworks at night games after the game (not sure, I'm not from Chicago) Anyway, for this game they did a super special show. The best part was when they had fireworks shoot out horizontally from the light standards in a clear echo of this scene. Loved it!
One thing that most people miss about this film is that Iris is living in Chicago which is where Roy was headed to start his baseball career. You can assume that she moved there to look for him and then just stayed hoping to one day find him.
Love this movie because it shows it's not just about talent, and not even talent and hard work, it's also about circumstances, good luck and bad luck, and wrong choices that you couldn't have known would end up so bad. But he never made excuses, he kept working at it and came back from it all to show streaks of greatness for a season. And in the end he's with his family, and whether you're a great athlete and rich and famous or just a regular person, that's all anyone can hope for in the end.
I have always loved this movie. The simplicity of the story, of good triumphing over evil even if it’s just in baseball. This movie and Bull Durham are two of the best baseball movies ever.
I didn't like Bull Durham simply because there was no other pitcher than Nuke LaLoosh. He pitched every single pitch, every single game. It was so stupid. It'll like they consulted ZERO people who knew the 1st thing about baseball. The Natural is not only the best baseball movie of all time- BY FAR- over Field of Dreams- but it is one of the best movies of all time- period. Major League was ridiculous- but, at least, they had a relief pitcher. The original Bad News Bears was terrific too.
When Roy is rounding third in slo motion, and you said that’s a good shot, I’m in the crowd. In college my buddies and I went to the stadium and signed up as extras. Full hair and costumes. One of the great moments of my youth was showing up at 1 am and being in the crowd for the home run sequence. Buffalo war memorial stadium.
Normally wouldn't share this but after watching your review I will. I have lived by Bob for 5 years here in Santa Fe. On occasion we would share a wave at one another . It was a morning breakfast in town we actually spoke and shared an incredible conversation that lasted to lunch . We spoke on a wide array of topics , mostly our lives and life in general. I did mention to him the power of this movie and what it meant to me. He smiled and simply said thanks . He is a great person very humble. Hopefully we can have another morning like that again. I think we will. R.Fiss we love the art on the wall.
Someone's probably already mentioned it but I think the movie you're thinking of where a father also dies of a heart attack in front of his son is Superman: The Movie.
By the way guys, the director of Mission Impossible Rogue Nation and Fallout(Christopher McQuarrie) watches your channel. He talked about you two on his recent reply to a tweet.
Was it this one? Christopher McQuarrie @chrismcquarrie Replying to @JeroenHoogakker and @TomCruise Pure a simple: I’d take a bad review from these two before I took a great review from anyone else. This is why we do it. If so then these ladies have certainly hit the big time!
Fun Fact: The last scene when Hobbs hit the Home Run at the end of the movie. Actually kind of happen in the 1988 World Series when Kirk Gibson was hurt and hit a Home Run in the bottom of the 9th inning and won the game for the Dodgers.
My favorite sports movie of all time. The ending (which thankfully didn’t follow the book), the triumphant yet melancholy score, the acting…*sigh* I’m SO glad you did this one!
I don't think I've seen Cassie so delighted by a film! It is a one-of-a-kind. My fav moments are when Roy almost chokes up while telling Pop he won't be sent down again ... and when Bobby gives Roy the _Savoy Special._
Why are these girls so likable? They are brilliant. They knew that us old folks want to see our favorite shows again like they’re new. These are some very smart women! Good taste as well. Brilliant idea!
This is my dad‘s favorite movie. He always told me that the pitcher Roy faces at the very end is supposed to be the boy he tossed the ball to from the train years earlier. That’s why they focus on him for a bit and Roy gives him an inquisitive look. Not sure if it’s true, but that’s what my dad says lol
I don't know that I buy that. It says that the pitcher is a Nebraska farm boy but the stop on the train is announced as Iola. There are 6 Iolas in the US but none of them are in Nebraska. One is in Kansas but it is south of Topeka so one would assume that if a Nebraska family was on a trip to the fair it wouldn't be to Iola.
Just like 'The Color Of Money,' 'The Natural' is one of the most underrated sports movies ever made and is a triumph of writing, direction, acting, editing, music and cinematography. They just don't make movies like this anymore; which are patient and intelligent enough to build audience interest before delivering the major plot payoffs. There is also a superb 'magical realism' to this film. I'm glad I first saw this as a thirteen year-old in the cinema and got to feel such wonderment. I hardly ever feel it with modern movies.
Indeed, many subtleties in the story - same umpire in his first and last at bats ... the silver bullet convo on the train ... the imagery of light and dark: flash photography, the Judge's office, Memo's outfits, etc. So happy both sisters were along for this one.
I don't know why people use "underrated" so much. This movie is not underrated. It's universally known as one of the greatest sports movies and a great movie in general.
I cannot watch The Natural or Field of Dreams without crying. They are all time great movies. The Natural has one of the most famous ending scenes in all of movie history.
Fun Fact: The filmmakers scouted the country for a stadium to use in game scenes. They needed something nondescript with a pre-World War II feel, and found it in Buffalo's War Memorial Stadium. The stadium, built in 1937 and demolished in 1988, had a shorter distance down the right field line than is shown in the movie. The stadium had been renovated prior to filming, which could explain the extra hundred feet displayed on the right field wall. Also, Glenn Close's initial appearance at the ballpark was carefully planned to give her the appearance of a guardian angel. They waited until a clear day, when the setting sun would be just at the right spot in the background to shine through her translucent hat, making it appear as a halo around her head.
Yeah it was an oval shaped football stadium, the Bills played there through the 60s and the triple A Bisons played there for a few years, but it was always a bad fit for baseball.
I don’t know what I love more, The Natural or Field of Dreams. Both have amazing scores by Randy Newman & James Horner respectively but something about Randy Newman’s uplifting and inspirational music always gives me goosebumps especially at 36:23 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽, Great reaction Ladies!
To each one it's own. I know that as a baseball movie, Bull Durham is the best of them all, probably #1 baseball movie EVER; that said this is MY all time - favorite baseball movie. Not even field of Dreams. IMO all three are in the top 5 - 7 baseball movies ever made.
@@danballe To each their own indeed. In your opinion Bull Durham is your Goat baseball (edit) film but despite liking it, it will never be mine and the fact that you felt the need to reply to me to state why, was not needed or asked for lol, we shall agree to disagree 🤝.
Yeah man, both films/soundtracks are all-time top 5. My favorite track is probably "Knock The Cover Off The Ball" ...loud, classy and with a chords progression that almost has a bluesy swagger. Be well P0PPa.
I never played baseball, but when my dad was in his last year of life (and suffering from alzheimer's), while he still knew I was his son, he for some reason thought I was a pro baseball pitcher. When I would visit him, he would excitedly tell me that he saw me pitch on TV, and that he was so proud of me... that being said, I love your reactions. the way you love the wholesomeness and hate the bad guys is so sweet. the internet needs you both. mahalo.
Wow, great pick. A perfect film. Makes a great double feature with _Bull Durham_ (1988) - starring Kevin Costner & Susan Sarandon - another '80s ⚾️ classic.
You two are brilliant reviwing together. The interaction and exchange is so natural it's like you have forgot you have an audience which makes the videos so amazing for the viewers to watch
This movie is one of my all time favorites. The story is great as well as the acting. I just love movies that are set in that era. Having grown up in the late forties early fifties I remember how things looked back then. I loved the imagery in this film.
You're my father's age, Skyraider165. His mother, father, himself and 3 brothers were all athletes, playing on teams through HS and college. All of them excelled, and 2 of them are enshrined in regional hall of fames, one being my grandmother Martha for her record setting basketball skills. They all lived for game day. Needless to say, I love sports movies!
I remembered seeing this film in a double feature at the theater, it was the second feature in the double bill. Me and my friends knew nothing about the movie, after the movie was over we could not stop talking about it and how great it was.
This movie holds a special place in my heart, because of where they shot it, which was in and around Buffalo, NY, where I grew up, so every scene has some personal meaning to me: I was at the last game ever played at War Memorial Stadium, which served as Knights Field. My late grandparents, before they were married, used to go on dates at the Parkside Candy Store, where Roy and Iris first reconnect. I knew the guy who played the carnival barker at the hitting station--used to mow his lawn, actually. I know the house that Roy grew up in. It's in South Dayton. So is the train station when Roy first leaves home. I could go on and on. It's just that personal to me, and the movie, of course, is wonderful. It's a total fairy tale to a bygone era of the game, but as improbable as that last home run is, it's happened plenty in the real world. Been looking for a reaction to this movie for a long time, and it's so great that you did it first. Great job.
That's so cool. I never knew that. I went to uni at SUNY at Buffalo. Almost all my time was on campus or in the neighbourhoods around south campus so never saw a huge amount of the city. Do they do movie tours around Buffalo for The Natural? That would be fun to see - if the US ever gets over Its gun addiction at least.
@@KevinLyda I don't think so. War Memorial Stadium was demolished the year they built Pilot Field. All-High Stadium, which doubled for Wrigley, I think is still around, as are most of the 1920s/1930s buildings. It'd be a pretty long tour, though. South Dayton, where Roy's house is, is a 40-minute drive from Buffalo.
(When Glenn Close gets up to go help Roy) "She's....crap....Rocky...." "Oh....Adrian!" "Yeah! She's his Adrian." Why was that such an adorable exchange?
I had forgotten Richard Farnsworth was in this movie. He’s the sheriff Buster in Misery, and most famously as Matthew Cuthbert in the Canadian classic Anne of Green Gables. Always love seeing him
I've been waiting for someone to react to this movie, I'm glad it was you and your sister. it is such a good movie, olde worlde my favourite baseball movie of all time. a little bit greek mythology. the spirit of his father passes into the lightning tree, lightning starts his career and ends it too. the bat is a symbol of hope during the depression and his bat and talent lead him to becoming the father
Yeah, I guess Cassie and her sister are the first to react to this. I hope it inspires others to react to this. Hope it gets a lot of views to increase the likelihood others will react to it.
This is one of my all time favorite movies. It’s just so charming. It’s a sports fairy tale. I used to watch it with my little brother every summer. It just fills me with nostalgia.
This is one of my favorite movies. And I just love watching the two of you enjoy it for the first time. You guys make me laugh and cry at the same time. Good work!
Bull Durham is one of the few baseball movies I rank higher, but if this isn't on pretty much EVERY Top 10 Baseball Movie list, the list is invalid. (Also, I own the book, and every time I get ready to read it, I'm reminded that it's one of those rare instances in which the movie is superior.) Glad you're tackling this one. Enjoy!
In college I had a mythology class in which we were assigned to write a term paper about a movie that had mythological themes "and you can't pick Clash of the Titans!" the professor told us. 😄 I had NO IDEA what movie had mythology in it and was worried about this assignment. After about a week of racking my brains, "The Natural" popped in my head! I wrote a 30 page term paper outlining 2 dozen mythological references from Greek and Roman mythology that were inserted in this movie! My professor never saw this movie before and no previous student ever choose this movie to write about which made it even better! Later, I read the novel and was a bit disappointed. Roy Hobbs in the book isn't the godlike figure he is in the movie. Normally, I enjoy the book more than the movie but in this case I love the movie much more! One of my five favorite movies of all-time!!
Cassie, many people are already recommending Redford's "Jeremiah Johnson" (one of my personal top ten movies all-time!), but I think you and Carly would also get a kick out of "The Electric Horseman", starring Redford & Jane Fonda, as it's basically a romantic comedy.
@@robhugh535 Cassie you should really take in Three Days of the Condor. Heck of a good movie, prime example of a 1970's paranoia thriller, and an interesting watch for anyone who has seen Captain America and the Winter Soldier. It was the movie the Russo's were thinking of (as they got their feet wet in the MCU) and they had the star of the 1970's classic (done in his prime) on set to work with (added bonus he was more of a director/filmmaker for his MCU turn).
My first date with my future wife in 1984 was this very movie. What a way to start a beautiful relationship that sadly ended November 23, 2022. 38+ years. Thanks for the memories girls. It was a pleasure watching with you.
You two need to watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. A couple of other Robert Redford movies you might like are The Great Waldo Pepper and Three Days of the Condor. Another I'll mention is The Way They Were. Not my kind of movie. But probably right up your alley. One thing I love about The Natural are the parallels with the story of King Arthur. The team being called the Knights. When they get their lightning bolt patches it's like they're members of Roy's round table. Wonder Boy is like Excalibur, which also breaks in the King Arthur story. Lancelot has a wound that doesn't heal like Roy's bullet wound. The silver bullet killer might be Morgan le Fay.
This movie came out when I was 11 years old. That's when I saw it. The Natural was the first baseball movie I ever saw. And it's the reason I love baseball to this day. Love, love, love this movie.
I love when it dawns on people that this movie has a supernatural undercurrent, and it's as much a meditation on good vs. evil, on redemption, on destiny, as it is a love letter to baseball.
And Star Wars was the movie that influenced The Natural, the good and evil, the bright side and dark side of the force. A lot of people compared Star War to this movie back in the day it was made.
I always thought this would be a good movie for teachers to show when teaching foreshadowing etc in literature. There are so many moments when light and dark come into play . . . going through a tunnel into the dark or emerging into the light, black and white photography then changing to color . . . Toss in the great score and it's an emotional roller coaster.
Still waiting on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid. Barefoot in the park is a really funny rom com with a very young Redford and Jane Fonda. Also, Three Days of the Condor is a good thriller.
Darren McGavin was the actor playing Gus, the big gambler working against our hero. McGavin played the hilarious, foul-mouthed father in one of the greatest Christmas comedies ever, "A Christmas Story", set in the late 1940s. This delightful movie was directed by the late Bob Clark, who practically invented the slasher flick, with 1974's "Black Christmas". Clark also directed one of the best Sherlock Holmes movies: "Murder by Decree". It was also the best of all Jack the Ripper movies. Amazing movie with the best-cast Holmes and Dr. Watson -- Christopher Plummer and James Mason, in his final role. Darren McGavin was also the star of a mid-70s mystery thriller TV series called " Kolchak: The Night Stalker". Kolchak was a low-rent reporter fascinated with stories of the occult, vampires, sewer monsters, aliens, etc. Fantastic series, ran for two seasons.
I wish "Murder by Decree" would get some love. Not the traditional depiction of Holmes, but what a cast! Besides Plummer and Mason, also Genevieve Bujold, Donald Sutherland, Frank Finlay, and probably a couple I've forgotten. Many fond memories of Kolchak too.
Agreed, I wish "Murder by Decree" would get more attention. Small correction though, I believe James Mason's final role was "Yellowbeard" (1983). [Edit: I was wrong too, his last film was 1985's "The Assisi Underground".]
Speaking of Brad Pitt and Robert Redford. Redford directed Pitt in A River Runs Through It. At the time Pitt was known for a small part in Thelma & Louise (he also starred in Cool World, but not many people saw that movie). So Redford really gave him his first big shot
