Movie Review: Fever Pitch

Fever Pitch

I didn't originally intend to see Fever Pitch. Though I'm a fan of the Farrelly Brothers (There's Something About Mary), the comedic value of their movies hasn't been as reliable in recent years (let's not revisit Stuck on You, shall we?). But a few preliminary good reviews and a very convenient show time convinced me to buy a ticket. And after having seen Fever Pitch, I have to say that I don't regret that I did.

Lindsey Meeks (Drew Barrymore) is a high-powered executive about to turn "twenty-ten." Her past relationships with men have involved other successful businessmen, and have been abject failures. Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon), on the other hand, is a teacher of gifted math students. He's also a diehard Boston Red Sox fan. His past relationships have failed due almost entirely to his inability to prioritize girlfriends over baseball. The two meet when Ben brings a few of his students to meet a professional who uses math on a daily basis in her successful career.

Lindsey is really too busy to spend time with the students or their teacher, but she makes the best of it and it turns out she actually enjoys herself. Ben thinks Lindsey is attractive, but doesn't even think about asking her out until one of his students mentions he could never get a woman like that. Largely just to meet the challenge of a twelve year-old, Ben marches back to Lindsey's office and asks her out. She, of course, refuses, and that's that. After some girlfriends point out some harsh truths about relationships to Lindsey, however, she rethinks her decision and calls Ben to tell him she'll go out with him after all.

Their first date is a disaster. But somehow it's that disaster that proves Ben to be the kind of guy that might deserve a shot, and so Lindsey gives it to him. Before long, it's readily apparent that the two are falling for each other. Lindsey's friends approve, though with some reservations; Ben's friends don't really care. You see, baseball season is about to begin, and for Ben and his friends, that means a whole new life of hope for their beloved—but cursed—Boston Red Sox.

When the differences between non-baseball season and baseball season Ben become evident (or as Lindsey calls them, Winter Guy and Summer Guy), the relationship is strained to the breaking point. Lindsey wants what she wants, and Ben can't choose between the two greatest loves of his life. The couple struggles even as the Red Sox struggle, and it seems that the curse of the Bambino may have affected Ben and Lindsey as much as it continues to hurt Boston's baseball team. Boston faces the New York Yankees in the play-offs, and Ben must deal with the fact that Lindsey might be moving on. Both are almost certainly losing propositions. Ben's never given up on the team before, but could he be willing to do just that if it means giving him another chance with Lindsey?

Fever Pitch is something of a surprise given its directors. It's funny, yes, but not in a slapstick or crude way. It's...sweet. And it's directed and edited to be that way quite successfully. Drew Barrymore plays much the same character she always does, but it's perfect for Fever Pitch. Jimmy Fallon is a revelation in this role. The former stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live alum is actually really good on the big screen. He's cute, he's natural, and he was perfectly cast as Ben. The supporting actors are good (including an hysterical turn as Lindsey's dad by James B. Sikking), but the movie focuses on Lindsey and Ben, and Drew and Jimmy are more than able to hold their own in support of the movie.

And baseball fans take note: Many of the baseball scenes were filmed in the real Fenway Park during real Red Sox games in 2004. As it happens, the movie was actually rewritten to accommodate what no one really believed would ever happen, and certainly not in 2004: The Red Sox won the World Series for the first time since 1918. Red Sox players portray themselves onscreen during the film, and noted author and big baseball fan Stephen King makes a cameo appearance as himself. I don't like baseball, but the 2004 Red Sox were surprising, and their story an amazing one. Despite knowing how that part of the movie would play out, I found myself actually rooting for the team. That says something about the Red Sox, sure, and some of the greatest comebacks in baseball history. But it also says something good about Fever Pitch. I suspect you'll appreciate it as much as I did when you see this film.

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Fever Pitch is rated PG-13 for "crude and sexual humor, [and] some sensuality." It's my opinion that kids too young to understand the humor won't be influenced by it. There's no nudity or truly foul language, and the story of compromise in relationships is a valuable lesson especially for kids. While not a good movie for the youngest children, I'd consider Fever Pitch okay for the average eight year-old and up. Fever Pitch is actually an ideal date movie comprising both sports and a love story, but I think grown-ups (okay, I admit it, particularly grown-up women) will enjoy Fever Pitch, too. I know I did.