This likable 1976 comedy gently skewers the whole post- <i>Rocky</i> mania for movies about losers who find their mettle or salvation or purpose in life in competitive sport. Walter Matthau stars as a drunk who becomes manager of a pathetic little-league baseball team. When he brings in a talented girl pitcher (Tatum O'Neal), the crew have an actual chance at winning some games and maybe a championship. But director Michael Ritchie (<i>Downhill Racer</i>) undercuts the romance of it all with the team's foul-mouthed tendencies and Matthau's own decadent spin on mentor-coachdom. Similarly to Ritchie's wicked comedy <i>Smile</i> --which lampooned the fervor surrounding beauty pageants--<i>The Bad News Bears</i> pokes fun at another American institution. <i>--Tom Keogh</i>
Viewer Reviews Another great 70s film that was made into a poor 21st century film. This film is matter of fact without loud music and greatly exaggerated mugging passing off as acting. Yes, the characters are exaggerated for effect but not like acting is now. The story and the movie are more subtle but the story is classic cinema. A horrible, pathetic kids little league team is coached by a hopeless alcoholic. Somehow with the recruitment of a GIRL! Everyone gets their act together and plays pretty well. The ultimate lesson is that it's only a game and character is far more important. See the better baseball team with the lousy kids on the other team and terrible parents for reference!
