Sports movies vs. rock n roll movies

[Chris L]

I know most of you mohawked toilet rockers are probably more interested in music than sports, but objectively speaking, which subject has the better cinematic track record?  Drama, comedy, documentary, etc.  I would say more often than not, neither are depicted all that successfully or capture the excitement or appeal of their subject, but of course there are big exceptions.  Unless this doesn't pan out, I was thinking the categories would encompass all sports vs. just rock music, albeit the broad parameters of "rock" as embodied by the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, so no AMADEUS or STRAIGHT, NO CHASER or LEPRECHAUN VS. GLENN GOULD.  Don't ask me whether something qualifies; as Steinski would say, "it's up to you." 

I just hope this doesn't turn into a heated debate over which side gets to lay claim to BODY SLAM.

[Smelodies]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWscxdleZzI

I finally figured out why this video is so familiar.  It's Dirk Diggler's '80s rock moment come to life!  Do you consider Boogie Nights a rock 'n' roll movie?

[nec13]

Neither sports movies nor rock n' roll movies are particularly well executed. In fact, most sports movies AND rock movies tend to be quite awful. However, in general, I believe that there are more quality films about sports than there are about rock.

[Martin]

ROCK & ROLL HIGH SCHOOL
vs.
ZIDANE: UN PORTRAIT DU 21E SIÈCLE

The first great ones from each category that I could think of. I'll be back.

[Barry Egan]

I just watched Facing Ali and highly recommend it.  The film masterfully captures both the beauty and the horror of the sport, and indeed of Ali himself.

In the pantheon of boxing films, I put it right up there with When We Were Kings, Kangaroo Jack, and Fisting Montevideo.

****
[youtube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juaZFDWtjmI
[/youtube]

[yesno]

Hated is to rock music what Bull Durham is to baseball.

[masterofsparks]

Does Caddyshack count as a sports movie? A sport is featured pretty prominently but it's more than a stretch to say it's "about" golf.

The problem with a lot of movies that fall into both genres is that they're biopics of famous people, and biopics have a quality track record more or less equal to romantic comedies.

[Chris L]

Does Caddyshack count as a sports movie? A sport is featured pretty prominently but it's more than a stretch to say it's "about" golf.

The problem with a lot of movies that fall into both genres is that they're biopics of famous people, and biopics have a quality track record more or less equal to romantic comedies.

I would say Caddyshack absolutely counts, but then I was hoping someone would make an argument for The Room due to that constant football tossing (I think it was foreshadowing for the sequel: The Stadium).  

[Christina]

RE sports movies ... i think for me it tends to come down to some combination of how much fun is everybody having + athletic prowess + inspiration. How much fun is everybody having is an easy one w/many examples. Usually I tend to shy away from the heavily inspirational ones b/c they can get so effing twee, like a lot of the biopics.

I love pretty much most of the hockey movies for example (that does not include the Mighty Ducks franchise).

On the other hand, I also really like Victory. Member that one?

[nec13]

Over The Top v. The Buddy Holly Story. It's a fairly easy choice for me.

[Martin]

How about a sports movie which is also a rock n roll movie? IS THERE SUCH AN ABOMINATION?

[fonpr]

"Bang the Drum Slowly"

[masterofsparks]

How about a sports movie which is also a rock n roll movie? IS THERE SUCH AN ABOMINATION?

Steven Soderbergh probably has it in development.

[Stupornaut]

The funny thing is, sports and rock documentaries tend to be pretty damned great. For a good both-at-once scenario, When We Were Kings is pretty untouchable.

I suppose if you wanted to do a two-fer and go the biopic route, you could always make a film about Denny McLain.

[AaronC]

Hoop Dreams v. Heavy Metal Parking Lot