The Next Reel Film Podcast

Baseball. Just like apple pie, it's an intrinsic part of America. Movies about baseball, on the other hand, didn't really become popular forms of entertainment until 1984's "The Natural", which is what we're talking about this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" podcast. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- as we expound on the mythos of this film and what makes it so great. Is it the amazing (and surprisingly dark) source material written by Bernard Malamud? Or the brilliant performances headed up by Robert Redford? The stunning and timeless score by Randy Newman? Or is it the nature of the game itself? It's hard to say, ladies and gentlemen, but we cover all of it. We talk about the amazing and Oscar-nominated cinematography and art direction. We talk about what makes baseball movies great -- possibly better than other sports movies as a whole (except Caddyshack). We chat about how Barry Levinson and his team came together to make this, the first film for Tri-Star Pictures, a brand new studio (until Sony swallowed it up). We touch on the history of baseball movies, and even mention Andy's tie to the history of the sport itself (even if he can't get his facts straight). It's a wonderful film about a true hero's journey that can make grown men cry. It's a great film to kick off our 80s baseball movie series. Listen in!

Show Notes

Baseball. Just like apple pie, it's an intrinsic part of America. Movies about baseball, on the other hand, didn't really become popular forms of entertainment until 1984's "The Natural", which is what we're talking about this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" podcast. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- as we expound on the mythos of this film and what makes it so great. Is it the amazing (and surprisingly dark) source material written by Bernard Malamud? Or the brilliant performances headed up by Robert Redford? The stunning and timeless score by Randy Newman? Or is it the nature of the game itself? It's hard to say, ladies and gentlemen, but we cover all of it. We talk about the amazing and Oscar-nominated cinematography and art direction. We talk about what makes baseball movies great -- possibly better than other sports movies as a whole (except Caddyshack). We chat about how Barry Levinson and his team came together to make this, the first film for Tri-Star Pictures, a brand new studio (until Sony swallowed it up). We touch on the history of baseball movies, and even mention Andy's tie to the history of the sport itself (even if he can't get his facts straight). It's a wonderful film about a true hero's journey that can make grown men cry. It's a great film to kick off our 80s baseball movie series. Listen in!


Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Check out our MERCH PAGE for TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more!

Visit our ORIGINALS PAGE to buy books, comics, plays, or other source material for the movies we've talked about on the show. By doing so, you get to find your next book to dig into and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!

Star your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try Transistor today!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
We spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

The Next Reel team has been dedicated to reviews, news, and commentary on world film for a decade. This podcast is The Next Reel master feed including all the episodes of The Next Reel, Trailer Rewind, The Film Board, The Speakeasy, and the other shorts, interviews, and specials we've produced over the years.