Fever Pitch (2005)

            What makes this movie special is the incredible synchronicity that occurred between the shooting for the end of film and the Red Sox winning the 2004 World Series.  There are more details about this on the DVD in the Special Features section, Making a Scene, Fever Pitch.  It was the serendipity of Fox studios shooting at an event covered by Fox media, a case of one corporate umbrella being an advantage.  But, watch the film first. 

            The story begins when Ben, a schoolteacher and an obsessive compulsive Red Sox fan, meets Lindsey, a corporate climber.  There's some valid sociological content explored in the relationship between these two different people, but you can ignore that and just enjoy the fast paced glib repartee and great one-liners.

The storyline is simply fun and another example of Drew Barrymore doing her comedy stuff.  Both Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson (not in this film) also have the same excellent screen presence, good looks and knack for comic timing.  It'll be a shame if the studios put them out to pasture when they're past thirty like many other good actresses, although Hudson is younger than the other two.

            This film is all about the twenty-something's dating scene mixed up with real footage of the Red Sox's amazing "come-from-behind" win streak after 86 years without a World Series victory.  An early quote in the film refers to Fenway Park as the heart and soul of Boston and after watching this film, you'll believe it.

            Jimmy Fallon plays Ben.  He's quick, so you have to listen carefully to catch the jokes.  Fallon has only been in a half dozen films but his real start was on Saturday Night Live and there, he was a favorite.  His character is a silly, kiddish jokester, so it's hard to know whether it was good acting or playing himself.  Drew Barrymore plays Lindsey and she comes to the screen with all the self-assurance of her Barrymore heritage.  It's hard not to liker her.

            Reviewed October 13, 2005                            Copyright 2005 Charles T. Markee

            MPAA: Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, and some sensuality.