| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that this film features some immature kid behavior: sneaking into a movie theater, breaking into an abandoned house, and stealing baseball equipment. But the larger lesson that Tommy learns is that he doesn't have to always be bigger and better, and that he doesn't have to be a jerk to be successful. Expect a little bit of mild language ("fat ass," etc.).
Cocky and arrogant, baseball player Tommy Santorelli (Luke Perry) jumps from team to team, looking for the biggest paycheck. Tommy needs an attitude adjustment, and he gets it in the form of a baseball to his noggin. When he awakens, he's 13 years old again, playing in the sandlot in his hometown. This was where he sold out the first time: To make it to a baseball prep school, he switches teams and ensures that the beloved sandlot will be torn down. But this time, he has a chance to do it differently. Can he put friendship first this time?
If you mixed Back to the Future with A Christmas Carol and sprinkled in a liberal dose of baseball fandom, you'd end up with this sweet, fun baseball movie that entertains while it instructs.
There are so many delightful things about this film, even if it borrows most of its plot from other films. Yet predictable plot twists are handled with such a kind heart and light touch by director William Dear that you hardly mind. The film is effective and fun, and for young children who've never seen the earlier films, they're likely to delight.
Families can talk about Tommy's transformation. Do you ever feel pressure to sell out your friends to get something you really want? Do you ever want something so badly that you're willing to do anything and hurt anyone to do it? What do you think would happen if you stuck to what you know is true for yourself? Families can also discuss the appeal of sports movies, especially those featuring underdogs. Why are they so much fun to watch?
| Topics: | sports and martial arts, friendship |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | William Dear |
| Cast: | Danny Nucci, Keanu Pires, Luke Perry |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 96 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 1, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | May 1, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | language and some rude humor. |