For the last two days, it seems the nation has been in the thralls of LeBron fever once again. Holding out on his free agency decision until a live, hour-long press conference. I say…. “Who cares?!” Who does he think he is… Tiger Woods?
I did however, enjoy a sports related movie totally unrelated to basketball. I enjoyed the 2004 movie, Million Dollar Baby starring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. I must say that Clint has sure made an impression on me with his more dramatic films instead of the macho, big gun shoot fests. The last few films I have seen have been poignant and emotional. He plays the curmudgeonly roles quite well. Accomplished not only as an actor/director but as a musician as well along with his son, Kyle.
I was hoping that Million Dollar Baby was not going to be the typical boxer/trainer situation and I was not disappointed. The movie was an intelligent, profound piece following the lives of a young female wannabe boxer and the very hesitant veteran trainer/manager. It’s more about Maggie, the 31 year old’s dream of beating the odds, rising from her “trailer trash” roots, and becoming a contendah in the prize ring. I know, been done countless times in countless ways.
Eastwood’s character is well-defined as well. Not the typical one-dimensional trainer but so much more. Why is Frankie so hardened? Why does he play it safe with every fighter he manages when he knows they are worthy of their “one shot?”
Not so surprising but a very good movie which won Oscars for Best Actress, Supporting Actor, Direction, and Best Movie of 2004. And so much more entertaining than the question that seems to have been on the minds of tens of people.
I didn’t understand the LeBron hoopla either, but lucky for me, I was out of town and didn’t have to hear about it much. I enjoyed Million Dollar Baby, but luckily someone had warned me about how heavy of a drama it is ahead of time. Not a spoiler in that case, and I was grateful. Enjoyed it once, not a watch-againer.