Pyle of List

4 Frustratingly Belated Films About Athletes

Bio pics are very popular on the heels of films like “Ray” and “Walk the Line”, that racked up loads of awards and accolades after their releases. The quality of sports movies have seemingly been improving but they’re far too “Disney-ized” for sophisticated audiences. So, where are the quality movies about our heroes from the world of sports? What are they waiting for? The next 4 athletes are prime candidates for the Hollywood treatment.

1. Jackie Robinson

This is an absolute no-brainer. He is arguably the most important athlete in the modern era and a man that serves as a beacon for civil rights in this country. The stories from his seasons in the Majors are legendary, as was his strength in weathering the backlash of integrating baseball. His relationship with Pee Wee Reese will add an excellent theme, and a great supporting opportunity for the right actor. If done properly, this has Oscar written all over it.

2. Jesse Owens

Much has been made of Owens’ defeating the Nazi’s on their home turf and destroying Hitler’s claim of Aryan superiority using America’s diversity, paving the way for an allied victory less than a decade later. But that’s BS. It’s all hype and patriot propaganda. The irony of Owens’ story comes from the fact that he was treated better in Nazi Germany than in the United States. In fact, he believed that Hitler showed him more respect for his accomplishments than FDR. That dichotomy would make for a sobering account of a great athletic performance, demystifying the symbolism of his victory in Berlin. You would need a controversial film-maker for this one.

3. George Weah

I know this one is a bit obscure, but it’s a fantastic hometown boy does good story. Please click the link to get the full rundown, as I didn’t exactly do it justice. This would be tailor-made for a do-gooder celebrity looking to further illuminate the plight of Africa, specifically in Weah’s all but forgotten country of Liberia.

4. Wayne Gretzky

Sure, people don’t care too much about hockey. It also hasn’t been all that long since his retirement. But I really don’t think people outside of the hardcore hockey fans (read: Canadians) understand how damn good he was. Rarely does a pre-pubscent “can’t miss” prospect end up being better than anyone could’ve expected. But his greatest achievement is getting people in LA to care about hockey for a few years. Wow!

Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments.