Still We Believe: The Boston Red Sox Movie

First, this film is about the fans, not about the players or even the season. Yes, it was an incredible season with a horrifying finish, but the film is about the fans' reactions, not the games themselves. And it really is for Sox fans, or relatives of Sox fans! Nearly unwatchable before the 2004 World Series, it's now an absolute MUST for those in the Nation who have become arrogant and nasty. The Nation ain't what it was, which is fine, because who doesn't like winning better than losing? On the other hand, something important was lost, something that was tattooed on our souls and which we passed on generation to generation. I miss it, and I love this film!

Hmm, the above review states a) Fenway ticket prices are expensive, and b) the Red Sox did not win the World Series. What a surprise. Fenway tickets are expensive due to a small stadium and high demand. This sounds rather like the comments of a Yankees fan who didn't bother to actually watch the film, as opposed to a genuine critique.

Anyway, this movie shows the season through the eyes of the fans, which is what makes it so good; otherwise, it would be just a bunch of instant replays. The producers did a great job selecting the people they were going to follow - they're passionate, dedicated, and engaging, and there's a diversity in age, in attitude, even in location (a Bostonian transplanted to California, and so on), and they're what make the film a drama. The action could be better, especially in the coverage of Game 7 of the ALCS; I felt as though the drama didn't build as well as it could have. Also, I was upset at the lack of footage of Kevin Millar singing "Born in the USA." But all in all, a very good (though PAINFUL!!!) look back at a terrific season and a terrific team.

First, let me say that I am a die-hard Yankee fan, season ticket holder, the whole deal. I hate the Red Sox as much as most of the people posting on this board hate my team. That being said, I really did enjoy this documentary. It reminds me of the good ol' days when the Red Sox fulfilled that role of the poor, sympathetic team that lost when it mattered yet the crazy passionate fans still supported them. And I have to say, Yankee fan or Red Sox fan, there were certain moments in the film where I could imagine a Yankee fan acting in a similarly fervent way. Because when you get down to it, no matter which of the two teams you root for, the real fans care the same amount: More than anything.

Ok, fine, if you're not a Red Sox fan there is little chance of you enjoying this movie. BUT I get the feeling that this movie isn't made for you non-Red Sox fans (we refer to you as "special" here in Boston) but is actually made for people like me, the faithful.

In terms of ground breaking documentaries, this is not among them, but is instead a fun way to spend some time in a movie theater. The film focuses on the 2003 baseball season, which was a wicked sweet one, up until that last game, which hurt like nothing has hurt before. Spending it's time split between the antics of the team and the relationship between the fans. Well made, as far as pop documentaries go, and HIGHLY recommended to anyone who loves baseball.

8/10

Because I'm a huge Red Sox fan, I was wicked excited when I saw this movie in my local theater. Of course, Red Sox Nation knows how it ends, and that's the part I couldn't watch again, especially since Sportscenter played it about 30 times a day for a week straight. Other than that, the movie carried a great balance of interviews with the players, executive meeting sessions, including the frenzy that went on with the July 31st trade deadline, the backstage antics of our favorite players (including David Ortiz, Derek Lowe, Kevin Millar, and Pedro Martinez), and the centerpiece of the movie - following different groups of fans throughout the season from Spring Training to the ALCS with the Yankees. Every high and low point is captured here, and even if you hate baseball, you will be not disappointed with this flick. 5 out of 5 stars.