EXTRA INNINGS Film Review September 15, 2020
Extra Innings
Reviewed: 9/15/2020
Breaking Glass Pictures
Rating: 3.5 / 5
(Breaking Glass Pictures)
I love a good sports based film. I think in 2020, with the professional sports world modified due to the pandemic, releasing a film about baseball is more than good timing.
“Extra Innings” is a film based on true events. David Sabah is from a devout Syrian Jewish family. He has three siblings - Morris who has health issues (diagnosed with schizophrenia), Vivian who is very much the black sheep of the family, and Rita his other sister that follows the family values.
David is torn between his love for baseball and his family’s expectations. This theme runs throughout the film and is easily identifiable for many viewers who can relate to his struggle.
(Extra Innings - Breaking Glass Pictures)
Directed and written by Albert Dabah (he also plays David’s father in the film), the film is very much a drama with baseball the secondary theme. The storytelling is right on point and this could easily be a play. I enjoyed the exploration of themes within the family dynamic and how David copes with them.
The performances from all of the cast members were a highlight for sure. No weak links whatsoever.
With all that it has going for it, I do have to say I found the film a bit of a downer. Tragedy strikes David’s family not once, but twice. The lack of support from his family to pursue his baseball dreams (other than Vivian) weighs down the narrative to a point where it becomes sad.
The ending seemed very forced. I think a few scenes depicting the family members coming to terms with their son's aspirations would have helped with the build up to the last scene in the film.
“Extra Innings” is definitely done well, don’t get me wrong. I just went into it thinking it was going to be a feel good film and instead it is a serious drama about a young man’s life, tragedy, and his struggles to find acceptance within his family.
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts
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