With Oakland’s own Warriors shining in the NBA playoffs, what better time than now to celebrate the athleticism, discipline, and drama of our favorite past time. On the 2nd floor DVD display, you will find a selection of our most beloved sports titles from the Mechanics’ collection. These films reveal what it takes to be the best in the game, on and off the field.
Heather recommends Rocky
Shot in 28 days, the original 1976 version is a timeless film about underdogs, persistence, loss, and above all, love. Rocky Balboa is a charming loser, trying to make it big as a boxer, but his big heart often gets in the way of his success. This film has humor, struggle, and sweetness. It’s one of my favorite Stallone films (Oscar is the other), and maybe one of my favorite films, period.
and The Karate Kid
I haven’t watched this since I wore out the VHS tape at an 8th grade slumber party, and it inspired my entire family to take karate classes. My sister still has her black belt somewhere, I’m certain. It’s as much about karate as it is about perseverance in the face of loneliness, bullying, boredom, and star-crossed romance -- definitely a teen angst film for the ages. Fear does not exist in this dojo, does it? NO, SENSEI !!
Craig recommends Bull Durham
Really a romantic comedy sports film, released back in 1988, starring Kevin Costner (Crash) as a veteran catcher brought in to teach a rookie pitcher (Nuke), played by Tim Robbins, about the game in preparation for the Major Leagues. Susan Sarandon plays a baseball groupie who romances Nuke, but is increasingly attracted to Crash.
Taryn recommends Chariots of Fire
Put the theme song on your playlist and go for the gold!
and Seabiscuit
Hold onto your hats, this film recounts a time when horse racing was at its peak! The book is thrilling as well.
Chris recommends Hoop Dreams
In 1995, this masterpiece received critical and commercial success, then a rarity for documentaries, thanks to the loyal support of the great film critic Roger Ebert. Shot in Ebert’s hometown of Chicago over a period of five years, two gifted basketball players from the neglected, violence-ridden and since demolished Cabrini-Green projects are recruited into a suburban, private high school on sports scholarships. The film follows their struggles and successes on their road toward adulthood and the NBA. Don't be put off by the three hour long running time, Hoop Dreams is peerless in its portrayal of basketball and its players within the context of a socially stratified city.
