Calvin Marshall

Calvin Marshall is one of those films you wish EVERYONE could see, but sadly, because it's one of those fantastic independent films that doesn't have the advantage of the multi- million-dollar Hollywood "machine" behind it in terms of marketing, it may get lost in the shuffle.

I really HOPE not, because this film is the perfect blend of humor, drama, great casting, great acting and a great script that comes along only rarely. Steve Zahn is truly fantastic as the has-been minor ballplayer turned junior college coach; he perfectly conveys the pathetic-yet- touching character's frustration at what he has become. Alex Frost is completely believable in his role as the title character; channeling early John Cusack, he has an immediate likability and believability factor that audiences can easily relate to (and root for).

Remember, though, that this is NOT a "baseball movie". Yes, it is (on the surface) about baseball. And yes, anyone who has ever been involved in baseball on ANY level will undoubtedly love it and relate to it. But it is really a movie about LIFE: about hopes, dreams, relationships, success, failure, love, laughs and tears. This movie will DEFINITELY be added to my collection when it comes out on DVD (and that's saying a lot--not many movies make that list of begging to be watched over and over again. Calvin Marshall does.

Steve Zahn absolutely nailed his character and put up one of his best performances, if not the best performance, of his career. Frost and Lombardo were also very good in their roles. They each carried the emotions and subtleties of their characters respective lives and life choices to realistic and believable levels. The supporting cast were also excellent.

Calvin Marshall transcended your typical sports film to convey the choices we all face in life when it comes to following our dreams, our talents, and what is important in our life. It's not a fairytale story, or the story of the kid from the wrong side of the tracks overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, or the story of the washed up veteran making an improbable comeback, this is the story of everyman.

Decent enough movie, the biggest problem I had with it is that I found the main character annoying and unlikeable. Steve Zahn was great, as always.

Having to watch way more movies lately with the pandemic, I find a lot of movies I've never heard of or am not familiar with. I'll read a description of the movie first than look to USER reviews to see if I'll watch (critics look for a masterpiece while I look for exactly what a movie is supposed to provide-entertainment).

Calvin Marshall was ok. It passed the time for me. Yes there was the usual formulas, cliches you see in other movies like the underdog trying to defeat the odds, romance develops between 2 people than they face adversity. Nothing struck me as special about the movie but I can't say I was bored either. By the way, the lead character played by Alex Frost, really reminded me a lot of a young John Cusack (Say Anything?) especially looks wise.

I could probably find better movies to watch but I could probably also find worse too, thus the 5 rating.