Movie Review: ‘Fever Pitch’ hits a grand slam
Although this film only debuted in the No. 3 position at the box office after its opening weekend (behind “Sahara” in first with “Sin City” in second), “Fever Pitch” is truly a wonderful story of romance and humor.
Starring Drew Barrymore (“50 First Dates”) and Jimmy Fallon (“Taxi”) as modern-day lovers trying to balance their work and personal passions with their relationship, “Fever Pitch” is a warm and happy story that juxtaposes our special loves with our dominating obsessions.
Barrymore plays Lindsey, a competent businesswoman climbing the typical corporate ladder. And Fallon plays Ben, a humble school teacher with an unusually overriding hobby. When the two meet, and eventually fall for each other, the natural chemistry soars like the joy of a home run in Fenway Park.
Both Barrymore and Fallon portray characters that are incredibly likable and easy to identify with, due to the natural realism they bring to their acting. This realism in the characters helps to support the realism in the plot. And, although the events of this love story play out sensibly, the story isn’t predictable. It is filled with modest, as well as pretentious, scenes of humor that give the movie life and keep it fun for the audience.
As we see the relationship between Ben and Lindsey get more and more serious, she is troubled by his unending devotion to the Boston Red Sox. Who does he love more – his potential wife or the eternal baseball fever that inspires his life? Ben’s high fervor for his home team provides many idiosyncrasies to be displayed by him and his group of friends. But this has humorous and heartbreaking consequences.
Emotional conflict grows as Ben and Lindsey try to juggle their professional priorities and Ben’s seemingly sacred hobby while trying to stay in love at the same time. This situation has great potential in reminding us of our own proud passions and makes us think about which priorities we hold the most high. Are the greatest priorities in our lives really the most important ones? Many tears of neglect flow until an exhilarating peak of love and devotion is reached with quite the unusual outcome.
“Fever Pitch” sends some beautiful messages about love that we can all learn from. Its ultimate message is heartfelt, showing us that compromise is sometimes better, and exemplifies more care than sacrifice. Barrymore and Fallon exercise great comic timing, great devotion for each other and they don’t try too hard to be believable.
Even though “Fever Pitch” is the latest film directed by the Farrelly brothers (Bobby and Peter), it is not so foul as the work they are previously known for. Including the moronic films “Dumb & Dumber,” “Me, Myself & Irene” and “There’s Something About Mary,” which all revel in uncouth behavior and unbecoming bodily functions, “Fever Pitch” rises above these films, proving that you can have smart and enjoyable humor without a constant stream of dirty content.
A perfect film for couples of all ages, it will leave you satisfied, glad and a bit more appreciative of America’s favorite pastime.
Casey T. Allen is a junior majoring in English and reviews movies for the Statesman. Comments may
be sent to caseyal@cc.usu.edu