Field of Dreams (1989)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007

I am part of an unpopular minority, but I must confess that I don’t love “Field of Dreams” the way everyone else seems to. Chances are you’ve seen this movie about 100 times. But if you haven’t, I have indicated that it is a “Good video rental” because it is well made, and it clearly has undeniable widespread appeal.

In my mind, “Field of Dreams” is about as American as apple pie and baseball; perhaps that’s because baseball is a major part of this movie. When you watch this again, take note: The very best part is the first five minutes of Kevin Costner’s voice-over narration. While he talks, we get what is called a “filmograph sequence,” which combines still photos and live action to make a creative montage, of sorts. This portion of the film is its masterstroke.

Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) is a new corn farmer in Iowa. One day he begins to hear “The Voice,” which tells him, “If you build it, he will come.” Ray learns that he is being instructed to build a baseball field in the middle of his corn field. Obeying this construction commission rewards Ray with unlikely visitors. The Voice keeps instructing Ray further, and he keeps following its instructions. The Voice has an eventual purpose for giving Ray these baseball-related chores.

“Field of Dreams” is pleasant, mystical, sweet and warmhearted; it is a good choice for “a family movie” ... much better, for example, than something like “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2003) or “RV” (2006). Please don’t subject your children to such things. I will have to report you.

Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Kevin Costner / Ray Liotta / James Earl Jones
107 min. Fantasy / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: PG)
Edited version age recommendation: 8 and up

DVD release date: June 8, 2004
Copyright 2007.
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