Now Available on DVD -- Pastime (Review)

 

 Rated PG

Buy now from Echo Bridge Entertainment for only $6.99.

Synopsis

In 1957, baseball is at its peak as America's favorite pastime. For aging minor leaguer Roy Dean Bream (William Russ), whose dreams of pitching in the Majors died long ago, the love of the game is all that keeps him showing up season after season. But when the team signs rookie Tyrone Debray (Glenn Plummer), a 17-year-old from the wrong side of town, Bream sees someone with the potential to achieve what he never could. As an unlikely friendship develops across the boundaries of race and age, these two ballplayers will inspire each other to become more than they ever thought they could be.

STARRING:

WILLIAM RUSS, American History X • The Right Stuff  • TV's Boy Meets World 
GLENN PLUMMER, Saw II • Showgirls • Speed

JEFFREY TAMBOR, Mr. Popper's Penguins • Win Win • The Hangover 1 & 2 • Paul • The Invention of Lying • TV's Arrested Development • There's Something About Mary

My Thoughts:

I remember seeing this movie with my father back in the early 90's, when it was originally released.  I grew up with two older brothers, so baseball and other sports were always watched on television, or played in the backyard.  So, when I saw this movie last weekend with my husband, memories of my childhood, especially watching movies like this with my family came rushing back.  I loved this movie back then when I saw it, and again when I watched it again.  My husband is not a huge sports fan, which I should be happy about, as he doesn't hog the television on game nights.  But, whenever the Red Sox make it to the playoffs, we always tune it.  Even though these are the exciting time of the game, I often wonder what it is like for players off the field.  Are they really friends?  What bonds do they have?  In Pastime, we are introduced to Roy Dean Bream, played by William Russ, an aging pitcher, whose only dream was to make it to the major leagues.  Unfortunately, he was only able to pitch once in the majors, and spent his career in the minors.  His love for the game never died, and because of this, he befriends a 17-year old black youth.  At this time race was an issue.  But, this didn't stop Bream and this much younger ball player from forging a friendship and inspiring each other to become more than they each imagined.  This heartwarming film would make for a great family night movie.  Even if you don't like baseball, you will enjoy this touching film, that will inspire you to dream big, no matter you age. 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.