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5.3/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.3/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Off His Base remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Look, if you have a soft spot for silent-era sports stuff and want to see actual pro ballplayers looking slightly confused in front of a camera, you'll dig this. If you need pacing that doesn't feel like it’s taking a nap every ten minutes, stay away. This isn't exactly high-octane entertainment.
The whole premise is classic underdog junk. A guy who doesn't even want to be there gets pushed into the big leagues because of an uncle. It’s the kind of plot that’s thinner than a ballpark hot dog bun. 🌭
There's this scene where everything is supposed to be high-stakes, but the crowd looks like they were told to sit still for a funeral. It’s hilarious if you watch the background extras. One guy in the front row is clearly just trying to figure out where his hat went.
It reminds me a bit of the frantic energy in Wandering Papas, even if they aren't the same genre at all. Just that feeling of people rushing around sets that don't quite fit them.
The movie gets way more interesting when it stops trying to be a serious sports flick and just leans into the goofy family drama. It’s messy, sure. But it feels like they were just trying to get it done before the sun went down. Not every film needs to be a masterpiece, right?
I caught myself wishing for a bit more of the raw, unpolished energy you find in something like The Apache Kid's Escape. At least there, you know exactly what you're getting. Here, it’s a bit of a mixed bag of intentions.
Anyway, watch it if you're bored on a rainy Tuesday. Just don't go looking for the next great American sports story. You won't find it. ⚾️