For Love of the Game (PG-13)

An old-fashioned Hollywood sports story/romance.

(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

About Our Ratings

Common Sense rates it

Seen the movie?

Watch video review
Save It!
Email it
Compare Prices

Movie details

Studio: Universal Studios
Directed By: Sam Raimi
Cast: Kevin Costner
Running Time: 137 minutes
Release Date: 09/13/2003
Video/DVD Release Date: 09/13/1999
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA Explanation: some strong language and non-explicit sexual situations

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie contains some sexually suggestive scenes and strong language, but not a lot of either.

Families can talk about the different ways in which Billy and Jane each bring trouble to their relationship.

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

Brand names (the game in the movie is broadcast on Fox and their logo appears onscreen throughout. Also some sports companies logos appear, and there is one very clear shot of a bottle of Advil).

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Some social drinking, one character gets quite drunk during a celebration.

Violence

Sex

Some sexually suggestive scenes.

Language

Some profanity.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Sarah Wenk

On the same day, aging baseball player Billy Chapel (Kevin Costner) finds out his girlfriend Jane (Kelly Preston) is leaving him and his team is being sold and he'll probably be traded. He is pitching a game that same day in Yankee Stadium, and the story unfolds in flashbacks as the game, which could turn out to be the elusive perfect game, goes on. Every movie romance cliché is on proud display. Billy and Jane "meet cute" when her car breaks down. They suffer through ups and downs and downs and ups. The flashbacks also cover Billy's career, including a serious injury and the inevitable slowing down of age.

Is it any good?

FOR LOVE OF THE GAME falls toward the sentimental side of the scale. It's an old-fashioned romance with no real surprises, but the material is handled well, and it's just about impossible not to get caught up in the story. Costner is great at this kind of role -- somber and stalwart, but with a streak of dark humor. Preston becomes more appealing as the film goes on, and by the end you're rooting for the team and the couple to pull it together.

In less competent hands this could be a slushy mess, but Sam Raimi brings a seriousness and maturity to the film that work well, and his shots are beautifully composed and edited. Most likely, he loves baseball, too. This is fine family viewing, though young children may find the relationship boring. The baseball, however, is beautiful, and any fan watching will remember why they fell in love with the sport.