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Plot Summary
Knuckleball! is the definitive documentary about the impossible-to-hit pitch from acclaimed filmmakers Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg (The Devil Came on Horseback; Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work). This heartfelt, funny and deeply engaging film delves into the legendary subculture of the knuckleball and the brotherhood of men who share the drive, imagination and humility to throw baseball’s slowest, unpredictable and most disrespected pitch. Filmed throughout the 2011 season with extraordinary access from Major League Baseball, the story follows 37 year-old R.A. Dickey (New York Mets, now a 2012 All-Star) and 18-year veteran Tim Wakefield (now retired), the oldest player in the major leagues and an icon of the Boston Red Sox. Knuckleball! details their personal and professional triumphs of the season, while exploring the bond between these two active pitchers and their only allies, the five living retired knuckleballers: Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, Charlie Hough, Wilbur Wood, Jim Bouton and Tom Candiotti. Knuckleball! tells the story of these extraordinary men, and the sacrifices they made to a pitch that would come to define their lives. A FilmBuff Presentation
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Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
94%- Reviews Counted: 17
- Fresh: 16
- Rotten: 1
- Average Rating: 7.2/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: A first-rate sports documentary in any season.
Fresh: Well-produced sports doc puts viewers in the pitchers' shoes.
Fresh: Immediately leaps near the top of the list of greatest baseball documentaries.
Fresh: I could watch Phil Niekro reminisce about being owned by Bill Buckner for days. If you know what that means, you probably could, too.
Customer Reviews
Well Made!
I'm not usually a baseball follower, but this film is actually very well put together. you can learn a lot about knuckleballers, and if you really think about it, it's speaking to the idea of dying traditions
Beautiful!!!
This is why I r e a l l y love baseball!!
Great, even for baseball newbies!
Growing up in Boston, Red Sox Nation envelops you, whether or not you even like sports. I am one of these psuedo-fans. I've been to my share of games, cheer at the right times, and consider it a personal victory when the Sox win, but I know very little about the mechanics of the sport in general. This doc answered questions I didn't even know I had.
I've heard the term "knuckleball" thrown around, but I had no idea the controversy that surrounded it, let alone how it even differed from a fastball, curveball, or wiffleball (kidding). Seeing how odd and fickle this maneuver can be, particularly in high stress situations, gave me whole new appreciation for what these men do. Plus, learning some baseball terms and famous names will make me a hoot at games ;)
But really, this doc was not only informational, but captivating. Following the professional and personal lives of the remaining great "Knuckleballers" was completely fascinating, sure to hold the attention of even the least of fans.
Would certainly recommend!
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