SI's Best Sports Movie List
Category: Sports (Pro/College/HS)...
Posted Saturday, August 02, 2003 at 11:09 PM [GMT-6]

[Does this really go in the Sports category? Hmmm....]

Sports Illustrated is running a story on the 50 Best Sports Movies in its August 4 print edition, but you can view their Top 10 online now.

I haven't seen some of the movies in their top 10, and some of their picks are questionable, in my mind, but these lists are designed to stimulate argu...discussions.

One such discussion begins thusly: what is the definition of a "sports movie"? For example, there was a beautiful movie made about freediving entitled "The Big Blue" (just try to find anything about it online, however). Is this a sport, in the same way that boxing or baseball is? I'd say yes -- perhaps more so; just try holding your breath for three and a half minutes, 400 feet underwater -- and I'd put that movie on my list. Then there's the fantastic "On Any Sunday," which is not about football, but showcases motorcycling in all its permutations.

I would also put "The Rookie" near the top of my list, if only because the real-life character was from nearby Big Lake (which, BTW, isn't the one and doesn't have the other).