Welcome to another episode of The Video Store Podcast, where each week we pull some movies off the shelf and recommend a few you might want to watch. This week’s theme is sports comedies, specifically some great ones from the '80s that still hold up. If you’re in the mood for underdogs, quirky characters, and a lot of laughs, these films should hit the spot.
The Best of Times (1986)
This one often flies under the radar, but it shouldn’t. Starring Robin Williams and Kurt Russell, it’s a heartfelt comedy about reliving past mistakes and trying to rewrite history on a small-town football field. Williams plays a guy still hung up on a dropped pass from years ago, and Russell is the former star quarterback who gets roped into a plan to replay the game. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode, the movie balances humor with some surprisingly emotional moments.
Major League (1989)
A classic baseball comedy about a ragtag Cleveland Indians team that’s supposed to fail but manages to surprise everyone. Charlie Sheen stars as “Wild Thing” Rick Vaughn, a pitcher with a blazing fastball and no control, alongside a great ensemble cast including Tom Berenger, Wesley Snipes, and Rene Russo. Directed by David S. Ward, the film has a sharp sense of humor but also doesn’t shy away from celebrating the game itself. The film was so beloved it sparked two sequels, though neither quite captured the charm of the original.
Caddyshack (1980)
What’s a sports comedy list without Caddyshack? Directed by Harold Ramis, this movie redefined the genre with its irreverent humor and unforgettable cast, including Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray. Set at a country club golf course, it’s less about the game and more about the absurd characters and their crazy antics. One of my favorite characters, the gopher puppet, was added late in production and ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the film. If you haven’t seen it or haven’t watched it in a while, it’s always worth revisiting.
Wildcats (1986)
Goldie Hawn leads this football comedy as Molly McGrath, a high school track coach who takes on the challenge of coaching a boys’ varsity football team in a rough neighborhood. The film has a lot of charm, mostly thanks to Hawn’s performance, which balances humor with just enough seriousness to make you root for her and the team. It’s also an early film for Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, who both went on to major careers. This was a great cable TV comedy and I watched it dozen of time on HBO and still bought in on VHS.
That’s the lineup for this week: The Best of Times, Major League, Caddyshack, and Wildcats. Each one brings something a little different to the table, but they all share a love for sports and comedy. Let me know what you think, and if there’s a movie you’d like me us recommend, leave us a comment.
Share this post