In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, we row our way through The Boys in the Boat, George Clooney’s adaptation of the best-selling book about the University of Washington’s scrappy rowing team and their improbable journey to Olympic glory. We discuss whether the film captures the thrill of sports triumphs or just kind of... floats along. Plus, we question some creative choices, geek out over our favorite underdog sports movies, and inevitably spiral into a debate about what makes a great sports movie.
Topics Covered:
The real-life story behind The Boys in the Boat
George Clooney’s direction: a steady hand or off course?
Why sports movies don’t affect us (or so we claim)
Does this follow the great tradition of underdog sports movies?
Our personal picks for best sports movies ever made
Key Takeaways:
The Boys in the Boat is a solid, if predictable, sports drama about teamwork, determination, and getting really sore arms.
The film looks great, but does it feel great? We debate whether it captures the stakes or just coasts along.
The best sports movies are about more than the game—they’re about the people, rivalries, and dramatic slow-motion moments.
We reminisce about The Sandlot, Speed Racer, A League of Their Own, and other classics that made us fist-pump at our screens.
Main Cast & Crew:
Director: George Clooney
Screenwriter: Mark L. Smith (The Revenant)
Starring: Callum Turner, Joel Edgerton, Jack Mulhern, Sam Strike, Luke Slattery, Peter Guinness
Based on the Book By: Daniel James Brown
What’s your favorite sports movie? Do you think The Boys in the Boat captures that winning spirit, or does it capsize? Let us know on social media using #MovieMemoryMachine!
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