This was an okay film to watch at home when there's nothing better to watch. As the title suggests it IS slow burn, knowing nothing about baseball made it interesting though I figure had I loved baseball it wouldn't have done anything for me as there wasn't enough baseball action to be worth the praise. Otherwise it was a fair watch.
26 Reviews
foul tip
ferguson-619 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Greetings again from the darkness. For us baseball fans, seeing the sport on the big screen can be bliss (THE SANDLOT, 1993) or extreme torture (ED, 1996). Actually, with any sports movie, the pressure is on the filmmakers and cast to be respectful to the talent and athleticism required to play that game. When they succeed, it can be a wonderful blend of movie and sport. When they fail, it can be maddening ... a cinematic version of fingernails on a chalkboard.
Director Raymond De Felitta delivered an excellent (and underappreciated) little gem in 2009 entitled CITY ISLAND. This time out he's working from a script by Robert Bruzio (his first feature film screenplay). It begins with Sonny Stano (played by Joseph Manganiello) being released from Sing Sing Prison. He has served nearly two decades (since 1999) after accidentally killing someone just after signing a big contract with the New York Yankees right out of his Bronx high school ... in the shadow of historic Yankee Stadium. See, Sonny was a baseball legend in the area - a "sure thing" to become the next Yankees legend. He even has a Mickey Mantle jersey mounted on the wall of his childhood apartment, alongside numerous pennants, trophies and sport photographs.
All those years ago, Sonny left behind not only baseball, but his high school sweetheart Angela (Sofia Vergara), who is now a single mom raising her young daughter. Of course, once Sonny and Angela bump into each other at the market, we know where this is headed. Just like we know where it's headed when Sonny's old Coach Hannis (Michael Rispoli) invites him to help out with the local Yankees minor league affiliate ... in particular, a young hot shot player who is mouthy and uncoachable. Along the way, we also see Sonny's Parole Officer (Denis O'Hare, in a "True Blood" reunion with Manganiello) and Angela's less-than-welcoming cop/brother (Yancey Arias). They don't call them stereotypes for nothing. It is nice to see Burt Young appear as a grizzled baseball scout, and fortunately Brian Cashman and Bernie Williams are the only Yankees who make a cameo appearance (awkwardly with no dialogue).
The idea is strong enough to work as an inspirational, second-chance-in-life sports movie; however, it all falls apart once Sonny hits the diamond. He moves like a weightlifter, not a ballplayer. His swing, supposedly capable of mashing pitches into the stratosphere, looks no different with a bat than with the sledge hammer he uses in one scene. The throwing motion is even more cringe-inducing. Still, we have been known to overlook such things in movies if there is a real life lesson. Unfortunately, despite his scenes reconnecting with Angela, we never find Sonny very likeable or easy to root for. Reading "King Rat" (James Clavell's debut novel about his time as a POW) and wanting to take a business class is not enough to overcome the fact that he immediately quits the job that his friend gave him ... the same friend who helped him get paroled. Plus, Sonny wears a constant scowl and tries to lecture, rather than lead, the prodigy he's been assigned.
The fictional Staten Island Empires are a joke to watch, and it's ludicrous to believe Sonny would catch the Yankees' attention while taking BP for them. The scenes that do work are the quiet moments between real life husband and wife Mr. Manganiello and Ms. Vergara. Their scenes, while a nice reprieve from the clumsy baseball ones, are simply not enough to inspire us or give us reason to cheer the obvious and easy-to-predict developments. And another thing ... why is it always the Yankees?
Director Raymond De Felitta delivered an excellent (and underappreciated) little gem in 2009 entitled CITY ISLAND. This time out he's working from a script by Robert Bruzio (his first feature film screenplay). It begins with Sonny Stano (played by Joseph Manganiello) being released from Sing Sing Prison. He has served nearly two decades (since 1999) after accidentally killing someone just after signing a big contract with the New York Yankees right out of his Bronx high school ... in the shadow of historic Yankee Stadium. See, Sonny was a baseball legend in the area - a "sure thing" to become the next Yankees legend. He even has a Mickey Mantle jersey mounted on the wall of his childhood apartment, alongside numerous pennants, trophies and sport photographs.
All those years ago, Sonny left behind not only baseball, but his high school sweetheart Angela (Sofia Vergara), who is now a single mom raising her young daughter. Of course, once Sonny and Angela bump into each other at the market, we know where this is headed. Just like we know where it's headed when Sonny's old Coach Hannis (Michael Rispoli) invites him to help out with the local Yankees minor league affiliate ... in particular, a young hot shot player who is mouthy and uncoachable. Along the way, we also see Sonny's Parole Officer (Denis O'Hare, in a "True Blood" reunion with Manganiello) and Angela's less-than-welcoming cop/brother (Yancey Arias). They don't call them stereotypes for nothing. It is nice to see Burt Young appear as a grizzled baseball scout, and fortunately Brian Cashman and Bernie Williams are the only Yankees who make a cameo appearance (awkwardly with no dialogue).
The idea is strong enough to work as an inspirational, second-chance-in-life sports movie; however, it all falls apart once Sonny hits the diamond. He moves like a weightlifter, not a ballplayer. His swing, supposedly capable of mashing pitches into the stratosphere, looks no different with a bat than with the sledge hammer he uses in one scene. The throwing motion is even more cringe-inducing. Still, we have been known to overlook such things in movies if there is a real life lesson. Unfortunately, despite his scenes reconnecting with Angela, we never find Sonny very likeable or easy to root for. Reading "King Rat" (James Clavell's debut novel about his time as a POW) and wanting to take a business class is not enough to overcome the fact that he immediately quits the job that his friend gave him ... the same friend who helped him get paroled. Plus, Sonny wears a constant scowl and tries to lecture, rather than lead, the prodigy he's been assigned.
The fictional Staten Island Empires are a joke to watch, and it's ludicrous to believe Sonny would catch the Yankees' attention while taking BP for them. The scenes that do work are the quiet moments between real life husband and wife Mr. Manganiello and Ms. Vergara. Their scenes, while a nice reprieve from the clumsy baseball ones, are simply not enough to inspire us or give us reason to cheer the obvious and easy-to-predict developments. And another thing ... why is it always the Yankees?
Do you believe in second chances?
jaimemedina-3628815 March 2022
So, look, this movie isn't going to win an Oscar. But, if you have a heart and meet it on it's own terms, you might just find the message in this movie. Manganiello and Vergara have a genuine chemistry. And there's enough in the story to make you believe in second chances... if you give it a chance.
Chiseled Dude's Chance At Another Life At Bat
iquine28 January 2022
This is a story of redemption of a man who unintentionally murdered a man and ruined his potential baseball career as a top prospect. After 19 years in the clink, he's out and trying to ease back into life. He finds a job as a minor league coach and realizes he still has game and can crank a fastball a long way. Will he be able to make a miraculous comeback while battling angry people who still have a bone to pick? This was certainly a positive feeling movie that handles topics without finesse yet is still rather palatable. Sort of like slammin' down a Big Mac in the car during a road trip. There were some genuinely good baseball scenes but some characters arcs are rather abrupt an unsurprising. Far from award-winning, it is still a decent story that leaves you upbeat. It was interesting to see Sofía Vergara not in her "Modern Family" character; a first for me.
Not a bad Baseball film
shacmasta1 January 2020
Not a bad film about the mistakes of youth and the regret that follows with the game of baseball playing in the backdrop.
The film feels low budget and the editing of the film is pretty poor but if you ignore that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the overall films message. The film can feel a bit long at times but again that could have been fixed by a better editing process. Joe Manganiello is good in his role. Some really good baseball scenes that will entertain any baseball fan.
Note- If you are a New York Yankees fan, you'll love the imagery and cameos throughout the film.
Also great cameo by Former San Francisco Giants Closer Brian Wilson - Who for some reason is Uncredited in this film.
The film feels low budget and the editing of the film is pretty poor but if you ignore that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the overall films message. The film can feel a bit long at times but again that could have been fixed by a better editing process. Joe Manganiello is good in his role. Some really good baseball scenes that will entertain any baseball fan.
Note- If you are a New York Yankees fan, you'll love the imagery and cameos throughout the film.
Also great cameo by Former San Francisco Giants Closer Brian Wilson - Who for some reason is Uncredited in this film.
I'll go halfway here
mattroyal-0463712 May 2020
If you are a baseball fan it's a 0, hands down no questions asked. Nothing from the baseball standpoint is believable, which ruined the movie for me. From a movie standpoint, it's not terrible. Good cliche story, all that. But the baseball parts of the movie ruined the experience.
I was surprised how differently so many reviewers saw this one...I think it is worth your time.
planktonrules16 July 2022
Sonny Stano (Joe Manganiello) has been in prison 18 years. When he was young, he got into a fight and ended up killing a guy. To make matters worse, he had been a hot baseball prospect for the New York Yankees and as a result of his crime, he lost that chance. However, after being released from prison, he is given a chance to work as an assistant coach for a minor league team. Amazingly, through this, he manages to impress his bosses and they decide to offer him a contract...as a player. But at 38, does Sonny stand a chance of making the majors? And, what about his life outside of ball...can he manage to create a good life for himself or is he destined to just do what many ex-cons do....end up back in the joint?
This is an interesting film since the love interest for Sonny is played by Sofia Vergara...Joe Manganiello's real life wife. As for Manganiello, his performance is VERY subdued and his character is not exacty a talkative guy. I know this will frustrate many viewers, though for an ex-con, his behavior was not unusual. Apart from Manganiello's very restrained performance, I also think some viewers probably disliked the ending...which is very vague and anything but what you'd expect. I didn't mind this at all..and liked how the story concluded.
Overall, the film isn't perfect but it does offer something I really like....it's different. The film generally avoids the usual cliches and the story is engaging.
By the way, Sonny plays for the Staten Island Empires...which is supposed to be a farm club for the Yankees. In reality, the farm club in Staten Island is also called the Yankees...not the Empires.
This is an interesting film since the love interest for Sonny is played by Sofia Vergara...Joe Manganiello's real life wife. As for Manganiello, his performance is VERY subdued and his character is not exacty a talkative guy. I know this will frustrate many viewers, though for an ex-con, his behavior was not unusual. Apart from Manganiello's very restrained performance, I also think some viewers probably disliked the ending...which is very vague and anything but what you'd expect. I didn't mind this at all..and liked how the story concluded.
Overall, the film isn't perfect but it does offer something I really like....it's different. The film generally avoids the usual cliches and the story is engaging.
By the way, Sonny plays for the Staten Island Empires...which is supposed to be a farm club for the Yankees. In reality, the farm club in Staten Island is also called the Yankees...not the Empires.
made for five million and it looks like it
mariatboaten23 July 2019
To think Hollywood is increasingly making direct to video movies still using A name TV talent is horrible. This is a cheap made for tv film. Its not a real film. It was barely in any theatres and its out already on video the same day. I will say it was ok for a few minutes in the beginning but then it just went flat and down hill. Within 20 minutes I would have turned it off but I kept watching to see how bad it could be and it was bad. Sofia has a small part which seems like a favor to her husband who is not a theatrical star. Sofia is promoting it all over town and on various tv shows but even with all her fans its dead. Maybe an international release could get some fans in Asia but truthfully its aweful. No its not a baseball movie nor is it a love tale. Its a film that really more a tv show. Maybe they should have made this for tv.
Butcher Boy
kirk212113 April 2022
Butcher Boy is when someone squares to bunt and draws the infield in, then takes a chop swing to tap the ball over them. You don't square to bunt, then swing away to hit a home run, there is no advantage to it. This was just stupid.
Delivers on a feel-good underdog hero story
leland-mckeithan28 July 2019
Nobody's saying this movie is Spielberg level, but Bottom of the 9th is touching and it delivers in it's promises. It's a feel good hero Hollywood drama to a T. Not too heavy on the cheesiness/unrealistic circumstances until the end and even then it's ok. As expected for this kind of movie.
I don't understand the reviews about bad acting. The characters were natural and for the most part unforced. I found myself engaged all the way through and rooting for the characters. I can think of so many movies that we just have to turn off because the actors are so obviously acting. This isn't one. Joe does a nice job as a strong understated lead. Handsome to look at and quiet like one would expect a person to be in his position. Was pleased to see Sophia relax and do a decent (not great) but decent job acting like a human instead of a Latina stereotype for the most part.
Would've like to see a little more arc for both characters. Why would they value eachother now? They're different people now. Why do they want to be together?
Would've like the director/writers to show us more background as to how the fiery young hot head we saw turned into the humble man coming out of jail.
I imagine getting out of jail and finding a job and a new life is a good bit harder than portrayed in this movie but still the story sheds some light on the many challenges for people in this position. It's hard to assimilate and feel valued.
I think the baseball fans found it unrealistic. So be it. That's hollywood and I'm not in it for the sports. Perhaps if you are this movie wont work as well for you.
Overall this movie delivers as the hero's journey tale it says it is. It's what you'd expect from hollywood's version of this tale with just enough real human element and real life feeling to make it feel real. Overall satisfying movie.
I don't understand the reviews about bad acting. The characters were natural and for the most part unforced. I found myself engaged all the way through and rooting for the characters. I can think of so many movies that we just have to turn off because the actors are so obviously acting. This isn't one. Joe does a nice job as a strong understated lead. Handsome to look at and quiet like one would expect a person to be in his position. Was pleased to see Sophia relax and do a decent (not great) but decent job acting like a human instead of a Latina stereotype for the most part.
Would've like to see a little more arc for both characters. Why would they value eachother now? They're different people now. Why do they want to be together?
Would've like the director/writers to show us more background as to how the fiery young hot head we saw turned into the humble man coming out of jail.
I imagine getting out of jail and finding a job and a new life is a good bit harder than portrayed in this movie but still the story sheds some light on the many challenges for people in this position. It's hard to assimilate and feel valued.
I think the baseball fans found it unrealistic. So be it. That's hollywood and I'm not in it for the sports. Perhaps if you are this movie wont work as well for you.
Overall this movie delivers as the hero's journey tale it says it is. It's what you'd expect from hollywood's version of this tale with just enough real human element and real life feeling to make it feel real. Overall satisfying movie.
2 hours of boring
stacymovieland20 July 2019
Bottom of the 9th is a silly name for a film but its appropriate for this silly film
There is nothing about this film that you wont expect, Its very boring, Maybe the film could have been ok if it had a different story, a different script, different acting, and a more motivated director, They keep promoting this film as if it is Rocky but it is not
Sofia Vergara had a few nightgown scenes but that didnt save it
It didnt fix the bad script and writing, I have to give it 2 stars and that is generous
If you need help sleeping this title would be great
chicagoray-3221624 July 2019
Whoever told Sofia and Joe they could act are obviously kidding themselves or outright lying. The movie is about a man who goes to murder for an accidental death. After being paroled he returns to his old neighborhood and the story then falls into a bunch of cliches. To sum this up nothing in this movie is surprising as you can predict everything that will happen from him trying to help the young troubled kid to him getting his shot at redemption himself.
If you are up late at night and can't sleep this movie will be for you. Better than any sleeping pill and guaranteed not addictive.
Baseball fans don't watch this
glahrssen18 March 2021
If you have some respect for the game, don't watch this movie. Bad acting. The scenes playing baseball are unrealistic and cheap. Player's attitude doesn't comes even close to reality. It's just another soap opera movie with the typical sad song and the dramatic stroll
Rocky Balboa clone.
jfh-7232030 December 2019
Over the hill, comeback player movie. Gee, where have we seen that story line.
Snooze fest.
Vergara should stick being a joke on Modern Family. She's only good as a Latin caricature in shows. Trying to play some serious English speaking role is out of her league. Look at her acting history: low budget comedy as stereotypical, even exaggerated, latin.
Snooze fest.
Vergara should stick being a joke on Modern Family. She's only good as a Latin caricature in shows. Trying to play some serious English speaking role is out of her league. Look at her acting history: low budget comedy as stereotypical, even exaggerated, latin.
A Touching Redemption Story
jkattaie4 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A great story about redemption, centered around the love of Baseball. Thoughtful if slow moving at times, but filled with very believable portrayals of guilt, regret, and the very bleak and hard challenges of starting over in adversity. This story could have used any profession or life-dream as its focus but in this case chose what is probably very relatable to many. Even if you never desired to be in the Big Leagues of any sport, you probably played baseball during PE in school. And everyone can relate to aspiring to greatness, and yet for most that "big break" never happens. Now imagine the worst--you are the cause of your dream going south and because of your poor judgment, others lives are also irrevocably changed forever as well. Coming back from ALL that with grace, is this touching movie. Well played, well directed, and greatly enjoyed!
Really Horrible
marybalconi-8475127 July 2019
Compelling concept, but horrible execution
redban0226 January 2022
I like the movie's concept: the main character is a ex-con who, right as he was about to sign with the New York Yankees, did 17 years in prison for murder; and newly released, he struggles to get by in life. The film's plot was quite compelling, offering a chance to explore themes such as criminality, forgiveness, redemption. The acting by Joe Manganiello was excellent, and the movie's visuals were crisp and gritty.
Unfortunately, the movie fails to execute on its potential. The movie has a gritty look, a gritty feel, and a gritty plot; yet with so much grittiness, the movie, for some reason, decides to proceed in the fairy-tale route where everything seems to work out perfectly -- for example, the main character, after 17 years in jail, is somehow immediately capable of playing professional baseball at the highest level; and he gets back with his girlfriend so quickly. And about the girlfriend, Sofia Vergara was totally miscast: she was way too pretty for such a dark-themed movie. The film needed a weary, ordinary-looking female, not model-looking Sofia Vergara. Finally - when the main character is coaching the baseball team, the movie interestingly sets him up to be a mentor to one of the younger, cocky teammates; yet this mentorship plot remains undeveloped and ultimately goes nowhere meaningful.
Unfortunately, the movie fails to execute on its potential. The movie has a gritty look, a gritty feel, and a gritty plot; yet with so much grittiness, the movie, for some reason, decides to proceed in the fairy-tale route where everything seems to work out perfectly -- for example, the main character, after 17 years in jail, is somehow immediately capable of playing professional baseball at the highest level; and he gets back with his girlfriend so quickly. And about the girlfriend, Sofia Vergara was totally miscast: she was way too pretty for such a dark-themed movie. The film needed a weary, ordinary-looking female, not model-looking Sofia Vergara. Finally - when the main character is coaching the baseball team, the movie interestingly sets him up to be a mentor to one of the younger, cocky teammates; yet this mentorship plot remains undeveloped and ultimately goes nowhere meaningful.
Questionable
zacharymulla27 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The part that shows the kid that died falling down and hitting his head on the curb..... He hit the back of his head/neck, but it later shows the front/top of his head bleeding. Huh?
Also, what kind of ending is this? He hit a ball during a game and got a home run, winning the game for his team. Great. What about a conclusion to everything else that happened on the movie?
Seems like the script was being rushed to complete.
Overall not bad besides these two annoyances I mentioned.
Also, what kind of ending is this? He hit a ball during a game and got a home run, winning the game for his team. Great. What about a conclusion to everything else that happened on the movie?
Seems like the script was being rushed to complete.
Overall not bad besides these two annoyances I mentioned.
Not a baseball movie.
Rdz91623 July 2019
I really like Sofia in and out of movies whenever I happen to see her, but she couldn't even save this movie for me. I wouldn't have known by the performance that they are actually married (thanks to reading another review lol).
If you want to know what this film is like, go to a bar and order a drink with a vulgar name...you won't know what the hell is in it.
If you want to know what this film is like, go to a bar and order a drink with a vulgar name...you won't know what the hell is in it.
Classic underdog story
prkozlowski21 July 2019
Not there for me
nealkattman19 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm an avid sports and movie fan. But rarely am I impressed when the two are combined. I guess it's because I know and understand sports that movies about them always miss the mark.
Another thing about this one was why wasn't his reason for being imprissoned not touched on more? I mean why not explain more about the circumstances? He pushed a guy who asked for it and the hit his head on a curb. But the storyline never really defends him.
SO bad
jaober9-573-47475117 April 2022
Sort of like the Rookie!
StarryGirl8120 July 2019
My husband and I love sports movies. This is my first review because I was shocked by the low rating. We both loved this movie. It was slow at times but never boring. A very good, clean movie that told a good story. We only rewatch certain movies every year and this will be in our rotation. My husband loves baseball and I hate baseball but we both stayed up too late to watch the rest! This has 4.9 IMDB rating Super good!!!
Another Cinematic Masterpiece by Director Raymond De Felitta
james-pond20 July 2019
Raymond De Felitta, an excellent writer director(see City Island, Rob The Mob, etc) has crafted yet another cinematic masterpiece with Bottom of the 9th. Working with a script from talented first time screenwriter Robert Bruzio, the director beautifully conveyed a story of hope, love, regret, and second chances. The story has its share of sympathetic and heartwarming moments, with dashes of comedy and hilarity mixed in and the "New Yorkness" of it all is perhaps the most authentic part.
I look forward to watching the next diamond in the rough that director Raymond De Felitta polishes to an immaculate degree. Well done!
I look forward to watching the next diamond in the rough that director Raymond De Felitta polishes to an immaculate degree. Well done!
Really under appreciated
jaztinepelias4 August 2020
I accidentally ran onto this film and I can't thank enough that I did. I only watched it to get me to go to sleep but I ended up watching the whole movie wide awake and inspired by everyone's performance despite having a common theme. Also I couldn't care less about what other critics say about this film. Yeah the story cliche but it has a lot of heart into it. Joe Manganiello gives out a performance of a lifetime despite not being on a role he's used to be seen and despite having so much tasks and side stories he still manages to balance all of it through his shoulders. Good film. I really do recommend it.
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