The M.O.W.'s Movie Review of Fever Pitch (2005)

More a Walk than a Strike Out
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/01/08

As a child, "Ben" (Jimmy Fallon) fell in love with the Boston Red Sox and has been a member of the "Fenway Faithful" for years. Now he has grown up and has become a popular teacher who, while on a field trip with his class, meets "Lindsey" (Drew Barrymore) and becomes immediately smitten. He almost immediately asks the lovely woman out, and she accepts. At this time, his beloved Red Sox ended another disappointing season, so he has lots of time to focus on the new relationship.

At the start of the 2004 Baseball Season, "Lindsey" wants to introduce her boyfriend to the folks (JoBeth Williams, James B. Sikking), but during his annual trip down to Florida for Spring Training with his buddies. She tries to accommodate his love for the team, even going to games and learning the sport. She then learns that it would be in her best interest to focus on her job. Her girlfriends had warn her that "Ben" is too good to be true, and she begins to feel the same way when the couple get a pregnancy scare. After what turns out to be a false alarm, she asks "Ben" to give up some of the games left in the season. But it is a crucial time, as the Bo Sox are fighting to remain in the now-memorable Post-Season.

"Ben" tries to do as he promises, but being a member of Red Sox Nation, he is obsessed and refuses to give up his team.

Fallon is quite good as "Ben", and at times it feels as if the role was made just for him. Fans will be disappointed that Fallon isn't a complete and total nut in this movie. Others will enjoy his performance. Barrymore makes "Lindsey" loveable, and works well with Fallon. She is also tame in the comedic scenes, but it works in this case.

The Farrellys do a good job directing. They picked some great shots of Boston and Fenway Park, but they did little during the comedic scenes to enhance the comedic aspect of the film.

Part of the problem with the movie is that there are way too many scenes in Fenway's seats. Another problem is that there is very little development on the supporting cast. The supporting cast work well however, and did help the plot.

As a whole, Fever Pitch is an average romantic comedy that isn't spectacular. It doesn't stand out in the genre of romantic comedies.