Childhood Movies: The Sandlot

I've decided to start a new series here for the time being, Childhood Memories. Every so often I'll take a walk down memory lane of those films that really struck a cord with me as a kid. Hopefully this will offer you both a chance to get to know me better, and at the same time remember those films you may have missed in your childhood.

Installment #1: The Sandlot

Directed and co-written by David M. Evans, The Sandlot follows the tale of a group of young kids traveling through the early stages of boyhood together. They encounter women, fall in love with baseball, and together change their lives for the better. Being born in 1987, The Sandlot became the quint essential kid film for me when I went to the Boys and Girls Club, being played at the TV there at least once a month. Funny, smart, well intended, and realistic (within childhood reason), The Sandlot was a send up to all the things you ever wanted to be as a child.

At the same time, the characters are easy to love, care for, and encouraging in their ability to inspire a sense of wonder in the children. Supported by a great cast of seasoned veterans including Denis Leary, Karen Allen, and James Earl Jones. Mixed in with childhood imagination and awe for the world, there's a great sense of wonder to the world created by Evans. As a child I didn't fully appreciate the film at first, but as the years wore on it grew better and better, to the point I was proud to be able to predict every movement the characters would make. Memorable, lasting, and fun, The Sandlot is definitely one of the films that helped shape my childhood.