The Sandspur

Issue date: 4/22/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Spring has sprung and it's in the air. Love? Well, not quite--actually, it's baseball season. But why not mix the two with the delightfully hard-hitting romantic sports comedy 'Fever Pitch.'

'Fever Pitch' is the major motion picture legacy that tried-and-true Boston Red Sox fans have been waiting for, if only with a romantic twist. The film follows the life of Boston high school math teacher Ben, played by the lovable Jimmy Fallon (Saturday Night Live). On a field trip with some of his students Ben runs into the corporate go-getter and successful businesswoman Lindsey Meeks, played by Drew Barrymore (50 First Dates, Ever After), and instantly charms her with his sarcastic wit and adorable mannerisms. Everything seems perfect as Lindsey and her friends can't help but wonder why this incredibly eligible bachelor has made it this far without being snatched up. Perfection continues through the winter months.

That is until Ben reveals his major flaw- he's a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan. In a world centered around opening day and when the Yankees are at Fenway, Lindsey must decide whether her love for Ben is stronger then the curse as she and the Sox must simultaneously battle in the biggest games of their lives.

Fallon, who usually seems to approach my last nerve, was surprisingly enigmatic as the Sox-crazy Ben. His quick wit and boyishly unconfident ways endear him to audiences nationwide, while his portrayal of the ultimate fan makes him appealing to any Bostonian. Barrymore is her normal cute and charming self, though it can be said that she doesn't seem to create as much chemistry with her leading man in 'Fever Pitch' as could be seen in her earlier Sandler flicks. The Farrelly Brothers hit it big again, directing another endearing comedy that keeps the same kind of slapstick humor as 'There's Something About Mary,' 'Dumb & Dumber,' and 'Shallow Hal.' The Farrelly Brothers prove this time with 'Fever Pitch' that they can channel a deep, romantic and serious side not often seen in their earlier cult classic films.

So hop into the spirit of spring with some love and some hardball, and relive the magic that broke the century old Boston curse. Whether a spring fever fan or a casual observer, you'll fall in love with this box office slam. Who would have guessed that baseball could be so sweet?

Katie's Rating: B

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