The Sandlot

The Sandlot: Film, 2007 Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Director: David M. Evans Run time: 101 minutes

Plot: California, early 1960’s, a young boy by the name of Scotty Smalls moves into the neighborhood.  Quiet and academic, Scotty isn’t one to make friends easily but wants so much to find a place within the world of the neighborhood boys who play baseball…everyday.  With little knowledge on how to catch or throw a ball, Scotty experiences ridicule by these same boys until the leader of the group steps in to give him some pointers.  From there, Scotty begins to make his way into the world of summer, baseball, and friends.  As “boys will be boys”, the film chronicles the antics and good times of this circle of baseball-loving friends who show great loyalty to one another, especially when Scotty gets them all “into a pickle”.  Throw into the mix, the myth of “the beast” that lives behind the homerun wall where baseballs forever disappear and scary stories abound, and these boys are in for one crazy summer.  Hearts are tested, courage is demanded, lessons are learned, as this crew of friends finds out the true meaning of friendship, acceptance, and finally being understood.

Review/Personal thoughts:  This film is a must-see filled with moments that not only touch your heart, but also your funny-bone - laugh out loud scenes that speak to every boy and the memories of his youth.  The beauty of this film exists in telling a simple story of a boy who wants to make friends and longs for acceptance.  It is an examination of friends helping each other out and creating memories that they will remember forever.  But the film is also about listening to your heart and doing the thing you thought you couldn’t do…with the help of your buddies.  And in its simplicity, the film also uncovers the fact that we sometimes fear that which we don’t understand…and perhaps in facing the fear, we come to understand it, and ourselves, a bit better.  This is a film that is universal in its appeal with a soundtrack that acts as an effective backdrop to the story.  Sit down for a good laugh and enjoy the memories of childhood.

Rated: PG

Interest Level: Ages 8 and up