The 2023 Golden Globes were recently held on Jan. 7. As I watched, I came to the realization that many of the films that hold special places in our hearts would never be nominated in an event like the Golden Globes or the Oscars. Though they may not have won many awards, the childhood film classics that we grew up on seem to hold much more value to their audience than the critically acclaimed. One of the best childhood films, adored by many, is “The Sandlot.” The lessons and wholesomeness of “The Sandlot” makes it much more than just a kids movie. The comedy and moral of the story leaves a lasting impression and memory on those who watch it.
“The Sandlot” is a story about a kid named Scottie Smalls. The story unfolds during the summer of ’62 when Scottie moves to a new neighborhood and is eager to make new friends but has trouble doing so. This is a common challenge all kids make at some point in their life. Scottie decides to put himself out there and try to make friends with a group of boys at the sandlot. He embarrasses himself as he tries to play baseball with them. Most of the boys laugh and discourage the idea of allowing him to play with them but Benny Rodriguez encourages him. Benny goes out of his way to help Scottie and convince the others to let him play. Once Scottie showed that he was capable, he was officially included the group.
Scottie and his new friends go on many different adventures together providing iconic scenes and quotes as well as leaving Scottie with the nickname Smalls. Across the fence of the sandlot is a yard of lost baseballs and a beast. The boys believe there to be a huge monster on the other side of the fence and this leads to them leaving every baseball hit too far as just a distant memory. One day when playing on the sandlot the boys’ last ball goes over the fence into the domain of the Beast. Smalls, in a rush to save the day and gain approval from the others, runs home and borrows his stepfather’s ball, which happens to have been autographed by Babe Ruth. This name means nothing to him until this ball, too, is shot over the fence. The other boys explain to him why his stepfather is not going to be too happy to learn that his prized possession now belongs to the beast. The boys work together to find a way to get this ball back, as they do this they create amazing memories leaving Smalls with what he says was the best summer of his life.
This movie is a summertime classic all can enjoy. The plot of the movie makes it extremely entertaining to watch and the lessons taught in the movie through Benny and Smalls can apply to people of all ages. To put yourself out there, to give people a chance, to stick up for others, and to appreciate every moment are all things I’ve learned from this movie. It is personally one of my favorite movies of all time and a 10/10. So the next time you’re looking for a feel good summertime movie to watch, turn on “The Sandlot.”
